Prime Day is almost over, but there are still plenty of deals available right now. While scouring the web for products I like, I came across a Garmin Venu 4 deal that I was tempted to highlight. However, I found an even better deal on the Garmin Forerunner 570, which I think is more worth your time (and money).

The Garmin Forerunner 570 launched last year for $550, but this 18% discount shaves $100 off, bringing the price to $450. That's around $50 cheaper than the Garmin Venu 4 with its current discount, which is why I think the Forerunner 570 deserves your attention.

✅Recommended if: You're someone who enjoys running and wants a watch that can coach them as well as track their activities.

❌Skip this deal if: You're not a big runner and watch a more all-purpose smartwatch with access to your favorite apps.

Garmin makes watches for all kinds of fitness enthusiasts, and the Forerunner 570 is an ideal watch for runners. It's similar to the Forerunner 970, which is also on sale right now, but it's more affordable at the expense of some features. That said, after testing the Forerunner 570 myself, I must say that it's an incredible fitness watch if you're into running or even if you want to get into it (like me).

The watch is great at fitness tracking, and the OLED display is vibrant and highly visible outdoors. The Garmin UI is also much easier to navigate, with quick access to your most important metrics and activities. There are also plenty of external buttons for shortcuts and navigation, making it easy to use the watch even while on a run.

The Garmin Venu 4 is still a great watch, and the $50 discount may be tempting for someone who just wants an all-around fitness watch with a streamlined design and experience. You can also check out deals on the tech devices I used to lose weight in time for the summer.

If I were to start running from scratch, there’s only one watch I would get to help me track my progress.

Oh, wait, I have started running, haha, and I did end up getting a watch that is actually the greatest invention ever; the Garmin Forerunner 970. And lucky for you, it’s on sale right now for Prime Day.

All color variants were 749.99, but now they're 649.99 and are selling out fast. If you were thinking of getting one of the best watches to train for a marathon, then this is the watch you need to get.

• Prime Day ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

But let me backtrack, about a month ago, I decided on the crazy idea of running my first half-marathon, and who knows, maybe by the end of my training, it will become a full marathon. But running isn’t a joke. It’s hard, even if I’ve been working out my whole life.

I did what anyone did: I went online and did a whole bunch of research, and you know where that landed me? Confused, overwhelmed, and right back where I started, not knowing how to start my training.

What helped me was reading what Android Central has written about Garmin. I learned that while other watches can track pace and distance and monitor heart rate, one watch delivered the ultimate performance. It’s why I got the Garmin Forerunner 970.

And from the fitness test we did, “it’s the running watch you buy when you don’t want compromises.”

The watch has many features that are great for runners who aren’t just running as a hobby but want to track every specific detail of their training.

I will add that if the watch is a bit out of your budget, then you can also get the Forerunner 570, which is also on sale. While it is much less premium and lacks some of the features that the 970 has, it is still a stellar device. And I think the Forerunner 570 is a great watch for those considering taking up running as a hobby but who still want to track progress, might consider running a marathon, and want a few more features than a simple smartwatch.

All color variants of the Forerunner 570 are on sale on Amazon for $449.99, down from $549.99.

Do I need to be a Prime member to shop during Amazon Prime Day?

Although select discounts may be available to the general public, the vast majority of deals during Prime Day are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Haven't joined yet? Sign up for Amazon's 30-day free trial to enjoy all of the benefits of a Prime membership without paying a cent. The cost of a membership is $14.99 per month once the trial period is up, but you can cancel at any time with zero hassle.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

Prime Day 2026 is the gift that keeps on giving. Many of the most incredible flagship Android smartwatches are currently on sale, with some hitting record low prices. Wear OS watches with fantastic fitness features like the Google Pixel Watch 4 are priced at an all-time low.

It doesn't end there, because two of the greatest wearables made by Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025), are also on sale, with up to 38% off. Samsung is well known for its advanced health tracking sensors, especially the BioActive Sensor found in its flagship wearables. Prices are changing every day, and tomorrow is the last day of the four-day Prime Day festivities.

If you want to reach your fitness goals and get your summer bod in order, you don't want to miss these awesome fitness smartwatch discounts!

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

Google Pixel Watch 4

The Google Pixel Watch 4 come sin 41mm and 45mm size options, and you can choose between Wi-Fi and LTE variants. It has the most gorgeous UI and runs Wear OS 6 out of the box, with plenty of Gemini-based goodies baked in. The Watch 4 just received the Wear OS 7 update and is guaranteed to get Wear OS 8 as well.

And now that Google has revamped the Fitbit app to make it into the new and improved Google Health app, the Pixel Watch 4 is easily one of the best fitness tracking watches out there.

What I love about the Pixel Watch 4 is the unique pebble-like shape, fluid transitions, and that pure Made by Google quality that every Pixel smartwatch and phone carries. It is a powerful watch with snappy performance and loads of excellent fitness and health features.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Samsung redesigned the Galaxy Watch 8 to sport a striking "squoval" shape. Not only is this a very elegant and sleek smartwatch, but the Galaxy Watch 8 is also incredibly powerful thanks to the Samsung Exynos W1000 processor. It also runs One UI 8 Watch based on Wear OS 6 out of the box and is slated to get Wear OS 7 any day. Samsung promises 4 major OS updates.

The Galaxy Watch 8 has a fantastic AMOLED display that gets super bright, up to 3000 nits of peak brightness in fact. Health and fitness wise, Samsung has some of the best sensors in the biz and AI-powered features like Running Coach and Energy Scores. The Watch 8 also collects a ton of useful data during sleep, from Vascular Load and sleep apnea detection to your energy score as well as circadian rhythm.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)

Samsung updated the beefy Galaxy Watch Ultra with its successor, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025), last year. Just like the previous iteration, you get some beastly specs on your wrist. The latest Watch Ultra (2025) still has the same 1.5-inch AMOLED display and squircle titanium case.

It's a very heavy-duty smartwatch, sporting a 10ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810H waterproof ratings and a tough Sapphire Glass on top. The insides are just as impressive, packing the Samsung BioActive Sensor, the Exynos W1000 chipset, and AI-powered health and fitness features.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) has amazingly helpful health features like the Antioxidant Index, Running Coach, Bedtime Guidance, and Vascular Load. These features will do everything from judge the carotene levels in your body from fruits and veggies to warn you how much stress your heart is under or create a running training plan based on your abilities. Perfect for sticking to your diet and ensuring you get your workouts in!

Garmin Venu 4

There are plenty of amazing Garmin deals ongoing, but the Garmin Venu 4 is the best of the lot. If you are a fitness-focused individual, this smartwatch is a must have. It has many sensors for measurement including ECG, HRV, breathing rate, and skin temperature, and the Health Status establishes your body's baseline health and then warns you of "outliers" that signal potential health issues.

The Garmin Venu 4 has a really bright OLED display, a flashlight, dual-band GPS, and is built to last, bearing a 5ATM waterproof rating. The battery life is insanely good, as is connectivity — Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, NFC, the works. You know you can rely on this watch when you're outdoors, doing a grueling run or hiking through rough terrain.

Amazfit Balance 2

Amazfit is everyone's go-to brand for affordable fitness wearables. The spectacular Amazfit Balance 2 has a 1.5-inch AMOLED display reinforced by hardy Sapphire Glass. From the polished design to the accurate tracking, it pretty much checks every box.

For a large 47mm case, the smartwatch is surprisingly lightweight. This is thanks to the aluminum build. The Amazfit Balance 2 touts 10ATM water-proofing and has useful features like advanced Zepp Coaching and training insights. You even get an excellent LLM-based food logging feature. Battery life is stellar too, easily lasting a full week on a single charge.

Amazon's biggest sale of the year is nearly over, and there are still plenty of Prime Day Garmin deals left for us to enjoy. Whether you want a rugged Epix Pro or the hybrid-style Venu 4, you can save up to 50% off some of Garmin's most popular models by shopping at Amazon today. Remember, this is the last day of savings, so if you've got something in your cart, you will need to buy today to take advantage of the deals.

Garmin has been producing some of the world's best fitness watches for years, with a bounty of options for every budget and skill level under the sun. These picks range from rugged wearables with military-grade durability to stylish devices that could easily be mistaken for a traditional smartwatch. Keep reading for all of my favorite discounts available right now, and don't forget to check back later to see what's new: I'll be updating this guide with new Garmin deals until the Prime Day wraps up.

• Prime Day is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

When is Prime Day?

Prime Day 2026 has officially started, running from June 23th until June 26th. That gives you four days to explore the sale, with there are plenty of deals already available.

Do I need to be a Prime member to shop during Prime Day?

For the most part, yes. Since the inaugural sale event in 2015, Prime Day has largely been a way for Amazon to celebrate its existing members and encourage new sign-ups, which means the vast majority of discounts will only be available to users of Amazon Prime.

In other words, if you aren't a member, you're going to miss out on a lot of the fun until Prime Day concludes on June 26th. The good news is that Amazon offers a 30-day free trial that lets you explore all of the ins and outs of a Prime membership without paying a dime. You can cancel at any time, which means you could simply sign up today, do some Prime Day shopping, and delete your account as soon as the sale is over with zero hassle.

What is the best Garmin watch to buy?

We consider the Venu 4 to be the best overall Garmin watch, largely because it has something for everyone without costing an exorbitant amount of cash. You get all of the latest health and fitness tracking technology, of course, but there's also support for voice commands, a built-in flashlight, an AMOLED display, and dual-band GPS. The Garmin Venu 4 also features a more smartwatch-esque design, which is nice for users who prefer something discreet over a bulky fitness watch.

That being said, despite its versatility, the Venu 4 is not necessarily the most powerful or feature-packed watch by Garmin. If you can afford it, the Garmin Fenix 8 is the best model for serious athletes, boasting fantastic battery life with an ultra-durable build and a comprehensive suite of accurate health and fitness tracking features.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

Prime Day 2026 is likely just weeks away, but you don't need to wait to score an incredible Garmin watch deal at Amazon. For a (very) limited time, the retailer is slashing a whopping 50% off the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2), a last-gen smartwatch that still impresses with rugged durability and premium specs. 

Garmin watches are famous for their health and fitness tracking capabilities, but deals on the rugged wearables can be few and far between. Considering that the epix Pro Gen 2 generally retails for around $999.99, this $500 price drop should turn a lot of heads as we drift into the month of June. The discount certainly won't last forever, so act fast if you're interested!

The powerful Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) just landed a 50% discount at Amazon

Straight out of the box, the rugged fitness watch boasts a brilliant 1.3-inch AMOLED display with a scratch-resistance lens and titanium bezel, while under the hood you get a bounty of health and fitness tracking features powered by Garmin. This includes the latest Elevate v5 sensors for ultra-accurate HR and ECG readings, plus endurance score, Garmin coach, and a ton of pre-installed activity modes.

The epix Pro (Gen 2) also comes with multi-band GPS tracking, a built-in LED flashlight, and up to 16 days of battery life on a single charge. Garmin's epix series may technically be obsolete now that the Fenix 8 has come along, but if you don't want to shell out 1,000 bucks for a smartwatch, this Amazon deal is a great way to get the premium Garmin experience without paying the premium Garmin price.

This is the first time that the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) has dropped to $499.99 since last year, so if you need a new watch ASAP, I wouldn't wait too long to make your move. That being said, Prime Day is likely just around the corner, so if you miss this deal, you can always wait for Amazon's big summer sale to go live. 

Today's smartwatch deals can offer some pretty sizable discounts, which can be especially helpful for those expensive, feature-packed premium devices. One such example includes the fact that Best Buy has cut $250 off the price of the Garmin Fenix 8 as a part of its Memorial Day sale, bringing this pricey watch down to just $750.

The Fenix 8 tends to be a little beyond the budget of most, though it's also packed with useful lifestyle and training tools that became well-known from the Venu 3 and Forerunner 965 models, respectively. It also sports a powerful, long-lasting battery like the Instinct 2X, as well as a built-in flashlight.

Fortunately, Garmin has addressed the vast majority of the bugs that were present upon launch, making it a much more usable and likeable device. While it is a little on the expensive side when comparing it with the needs of most users, it's an especially compelling option with this discount bringing it more in line with what some may be expecting to spend.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for the best Garmin watch for premium-level spenders, and you want all the bells and whistles possible in today's smartwatch market; you like having a smartwatch with a wide range of fitness, lifestyle, sleep, and heart rate monitoring features, and you don't mind spending a pretty penny making it happen; you need something with a long-lasting battery, even when using multi-band GPS.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather upgrade to the solar version of the watch, and you don't care about getting this discount; you'd prefer to go with a more traditional smartwatch, or one that features an extremely user-friendly interface; you don't want to spend $750 and you'd rather save by going with a cheaper option that skips on some of the more advanced features.

If you have the budget for it, the Garmin Fenix 8 is the Garmin Fenix 8 has many of the top features from across the brand's lineup, easily making it Garmin's best smartwatch. As such, it boasts a hefty price tag, but don't let that stop you from getting it at a discount like this one.

The Fenix 8 includes multi-band GPS, a battery life of up to 16 days or seven with the always-on display, and a wide range of sensors and health monitoring features that users have come to love. The watch is a little bit on the complicated side of user interfaces, though that's to be expected with any wearable that's entirely packed to the brim with features.

What you need to know

• Garmin's rumored Cirqa tracker could become the most expensive screenless fitness band yet at around $510.
• The leaked Garmin Cirqa reportedly features a fabric band design with no screen and full-day health tracking.
• Garmin's Whoop rival is expected to track sleep, heart rate, calories, and other health metrics 24/7.

It's clearly the season of screenless fitness trackers, and while Google recently launched the Fitbit Air, it now looks like Garmin also wants to join the list.

Whoop has been making screenless fitness trackers for well over a decade at this point, but now almost every major fitness brand seems interested in this category. We recently saw the launch of the Fitbit Air, which follows the same concept: 24/7 health tracking, no display, and up to a week's worth of battery life.

Now it looks like Garmin could be next. A Ukrainian retailer has seemingly leaked Garmin's upcoming screenless fitness tracker (via Notebookcheck), revealing its design, features, and an unexpectedly high rumored price tag.

According to the listing, Garmin's Whoop competitor will reportedly be called the Garmin Cirqa. Similar to other screenless fitness trackers, it features a minimal fabric band with no display and is designed for passive health tracking throughout the day.

The listing also suggests that the Cirqa will be available in two sizes, S/M and L/XL, along with black and gray color options. Like other fitness trackers in this category, it will reportedly track heart rate, sleep, steps, calories, and other health metrics continuously.

What really stands out, though, is the rumored price. The retailer listing claims the Garmin Cirqa could cost around 22,399 Ukrainian hryvnia, which converts to roughly $510. If true, that would make it the most expensive screenless fitness tracker currently on the market.

For comparison, the Fitbit Air starts at around $100, with an optional Google Health Premium subscription costing $10 per month. Whoop, meanwhile, follows a subscription-based model ranging between $199 and $359 per year.

So if this Garmin pricing turns out to be accurate, the Cirqa would sit well above both the Fitbit Air and the Whoop.

Of course, this still isn't official pricing, and things could easily change before launch. It's also worth remembering that this information comes from a Ukrainian retailer, so U.S. pricing could end up being very different.

The Fenix 8 is easily one of the the best fitness watches that Garmin has ever built, but this powerful wearable doesn't come cheap. Fortunately, Amazon is carving a straight $250 off the 47mm version of the watch for a limited time, knocking the price down to $749.99. That's a 25% discount, and one of the few price drops we've seen on the wearable this year.  

Whether you're trying to track your daily runs, monitor your health, or voyage into the great outdoors for an extended period of time, the Garmin Fenix 8 is the ideal companion. The problem is that discounts on the device are few and far between, so I wouldn't wait too long if you're interested.

• See the best smartwatch deals at Amazon today

Garmin took the "everything but the kitchen sink" approach with the Fenix 8, packing all of the best features from across its smartwatch lineup into one premium device. The watch boasts all of the ultra-accurate health sensors you'd expect from the brand, including HRM, SpO2, ECG, and skin temp, plus some premium features that may surprise you, like the built-in LED flashlight and AMOLED display.

Despite a buggy launch, the Garmin Fenix 8 now impresses on the software front as well, with a ton of useful training insights, pre-installed activity modes, and customizable daily fitness reports. The watch also comes with full-color GPS mapping, a dive-proof design, and up to 16 days of battery life on a single charge.

Of course, no wearable is perfect. The Fenix 8 isn't the best choice if you're looking for a classic Android smartwatch, and if you need something casual, there are plenty of cheaper smartwatches out there that will give you the experience you need for less cash. That said, if you're a serious self-guided athlete who wants detailed insights into all of your fitness activities, the Garmin Fenix 8 might be exactly what you're looking for. 

Garmin deals aren't as common as I would like, so any discount on our #1 favorite watch from the company is going to be a cause for celebration. Head to Amazon today and you'll score a rare $50 off the top-rated Garmin Venu 4, knocking the price of the fitness watch down to $499.99. 

Believe it or not, that's actually a return to a record low price from the retailer, bringing the Garmin Venu 4 back to a point that we haven't seen since Black Friday last year. Needless to say, if you want to tackle those 2026 fitness goals with the best Garmin watch on the market, now's your chance. 

Our #1 favorite Garmin watch just scored a Black Friday discount

As explained in our 4.5/5-star review, the Venu 4 may not be the most powerful or comprehensive fitness watch that Garmin has ever built, but it's easily the best option for most people, thanks to a sophisticated blend of health tracking features, clean design choices, and good old-fashioned bang for the buck. 

The Garmin Venu 4 features a vibrant AMOLED display with a durable steel construction that doesn't make the watch feel too heavy, while under the hood you get high-end sensors for HRM, skin temp, ECG, SpO2, and more. The fitness watch also comes with the full suite of exercise features that have made Garmin famous, including training readiness, sleep coach, Body Battery, and 80 pre-installed sports modes straight out of the box.

In addition to all of the fitness tools, the Venu 4 boasts a handy built-in flashlight, 8GB of onboard storage, and dual-band GPS tracking. You even get up to 12 days of battery life on a single charge (five days if you have the Always On Display activated).

Having said that, the Garmin Venu 4 is ideal for most people, but it may not be for everyone. If you want an AI-powered watch to sync with your smartphone or act as a personal assistant, you may want to go with a more traditional Android watch. Similarly, if you have over $1,000 to spend, you'll get a more comprehensive experience by going with a device like the Garmin Fenix 8.

If, however, you want a balanced fitness smartwatch with a clean design and all of fitness features you could ever need, then the Garmin Venu 4 is a great pick. It doesn't get discounted very often, so if you're ready to kickstart your 2026 fitness journey, now's the time.

The weather is warming up and summer is just around the corner, which means right now is the perfect time to find a discount on a Garmin fitness watch. I was just digging around Amazon's site to find the latest of these deals, and one particular price drop caught my eye: the Forerunner 165, which is Android Central's favorite affordable Garmin watch, has dropped down to $199.99 for a limited time. That's a 20% discount, no strings attached! 

The Garmin Forerunner 165 scored a rare 4.5/5-star discount in our review last year, and the approachable fitness watch still impresses today with a comfortable design, large AMOLED display, and a suite of health and fitness tracking features. 

If you need a new device to tackle those 2026 fitness goals, utilizing a Garmin watch like the Forerunner 165 is a very wise move. The 20% discount from Amazon is merely the cherry on top. 

• See the full list of top deals at Amazon today

Straight out of the box, the Garmin Forerunner 165 boasts a spacious 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display with a lightweight, comfortable build and 5ATM water resistance rating (which means you can take it into the pool and shower).  

Things are just as well-crafted in the software department, as the Forerunner 165 comes packed full of all of the latest health and fitness tracking technology offered by Garmin. That means you're getting ultra-accurate HR, HRV, SpO2, and sleep tracking, plus over 25 pre-installed activity modes and daily workout recommendations that are personalized just for you. The fitness watch also boasts GPS tracking and up to 11 days of battery life on a single charge.

To really put the Forerunner 165 to the test, we even directly compared the watch's fitness tracking capabilities to two similarly-priced wearables — the Fitbit Charge 6 and the COROS Pace 3 — and the Garmin device easily held its own without skipping a beat.

To be sure, there are more powerful Garmin watches out there if you can afford them, and the Forerunner 165 does lack a few premium features that you might miss, such as ECG and skin temp monitoring. But if you want to keep things simple and within your budget, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a great choice regardless of your skill level. And with a 20% discount, the trail-ready watch seems like a no-brainer purchase in 2026.

I hated running for years, and if I'm being honest, my newly-acquired interest in the hobby can be entirely attributed to two things: my noise cancelling earbuds and, crucially, the Garmin Forerunner 265S. The former helped me enjoy zoning out on the trail when I go for a jog, but the Garmin watch gave me a true sense of progression through accurate fitness tracking and useful goal-setting features.

I bought the Garmin Forerunner 265S at full price last summer, but if you pick up the fitness watch from Best Buy today, you can score a straight $100 off your purchase. No strings attached, just good old-fashioned savings on a beginner-friendly smartwatch that will get you off the couch and on the trail. 

• See the full list of deals at Best Buy today

✅Recommended if: you want a sleek, beginner-friendly running watch with ultra-accurate tracking and great battery life; you want a wearable with a bright, AMOLED touchscreen display. 

❌Skip this deal if: you're a serious runner who wants the best that Garmin watches have to offer; you need the absolute best battery life or premium features like topographical mapping (the Garmin Instinct 3 is probably worth checking out, if so). 

Currently $349.99 during Best Buy's sale, the Garmin Forerunner 265S is an approachable, lightweight fitness watch that sports a large AMOLED display and up to 15 days of battery life on a single charge (in smartwatch mode). 

Under the hood, you get all of the comprehensive health and fitness tracking features that have made Garmin famous, including Training Readiness Score, Garmin Coach, and daily suggested workouts based on your activity level. The watch also comes with over 30 pre-installed sports modes, onboard music storage, and ultra-accurate GPS tracking.

The Garmin Forerunner 265S (and its non-S sibling) were first launched in 2023, so don't expect the latest and greatest in fitness smartwatch technology. You could easily spend a bit more on a more comprehensive and cutting-edge wearable, but if you just want something simple to take your exercise regimen to the next level, the Forerunner 265 and 265S is an ideal pick. This $100 discount from Best Buy is simply the icing on top. 

What you need to know

• Garmin announced that several "select" watches (fēnix, Forerunner, Venu, and vivoactive) are receiving access to WhatsApp.
• Users can view messages and reply, send emojis and react, and see their recent 10 messages (history) all from their wrist—calls, too.
• Garmin states users can find the app available via the Connect IQ store.

Garmin is making a bold shift; it has announced that it will soon roll out support for the "first and only" third-party messaging app for its watches.

In a press release, Garmin announced that its smartwatches are receiving support for Meta's WhatsApp to remain connected with others. With WhatsApp on your wrist, Garmin says users can view their recent messages. More importantly, you can respond to text messages from your watch using the device's built-in keyboard. Emojis are also an option through this option, as well as reactions to texts you've received.

Your chat history is available on your Garmin watch; however, the post states you'll only be able to see the latest 10 messages before needing your phone. Moreover, your Garmin watch will alert you to incoming WhatsApp calls, and you can decide how you want to interact with them.

Garmin reassures users who enjoy the level of privacy WhatsApp provides, due to its end-to-end encryption. What you send, whether it be a text message or through your voice, will remain private between you and those you're speaking with. The post states WhatsApp is available in the Connect IQ store for "select" fēnix, Forerunner, Venu, and vivoactive watches.

Looking up

The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and the Quatix 8 Pro are in consumer hands, but they're quite expensive. You can just look at the Quatix 8 Pro and see its $1,300 price tag to understand why some consumers might shy away. Regardless, we have our hopes for what Garmin could come up with in 2026, if anything at all—and that looks a lot like leaping over a major hurdle. During the Fenix 8 Pro's debut, Garmin informed DCR that it couldn't produce a 43mm variant "due to hardware limitations with integrating the LTE antenna."

The InReach antenna was also "too difficult" to add to a watch of a smaller size. Overcoming this was a hope for Garmin from Android Central's Michael Hicks, alongside dreams of having a device from the maker with full satellite connectivity support.

Android Central's Take

Garmin has some pretty decent, attractive smartwatches for users who like to get outdoors. If you're a runner, you might find a go wrist bound partner with a Garmin watch. Bringing WhatsApp into the fold only amplifies that. There are other devices that support third-party messaging platforms, but Garmin's a little late to the party. Perhaps it's better late than never.

It's no secret that Garmin produces some of the best fitness watches on the market, but many of these capable devices come with an equally-hefty price tag. This means that Garmin watch deals are always a cause for celebration, particularly when our favorite model gets discounted. 

The Garmin Venu 4, our top recommendation for the best Garmin watch for most people, just received a 17% discount during Amazon's Spring Deal Days sale, knocking the price down to its lowest point ever recorded. 

The Venu 4 features a sleek-yet-durable design with an AMOLED display, reliable dual-band GPS tracking, and all of the innovative health and fitness tracking features that have made Garmin so legendary in the fitness tech space. 

• See the full list of deals from Amazon Spring Deal Days

The Garmin Venu 4 scored a near-perfect 4.5/5-star rating when it dropped late last year, effectively leveling up everything that made its predecessor, the Venu 3, such a hit. You get an AMOLED display with 2,000-nit brightness straight out of the box, plus a stainless steel bezel and case. There's even a built-in flashlight! 

Under the hood, the Venu 4 sports a comprehensive suite of health-monitoring sensors, including (but not limited to) ECG, HRV, breathing rate, SpO2, and skin temp. The Venu 4 also boasts a ton of useful fitness-focused software features, such as Health Status, morning and evening activity reports, Body Battery, and more. The dual-band GPS tracking is also highly accurate and reliable, while features like Bluetooth calling and voice commands will be a welcome addition for anyone who's missing smartwatch features in their fitness trackers. 

The Venu 4 is fairly sleek for a fitness watch, but it's worth mentioning that it is a bit heavier than previous generations, potentially causing discomfort if you wear it for sleep tracking. Other drawbacks with the watch include slower charging speeds and slightly less battery life than the Venu 3 (mostly because of the improved display).

Are these minor issues a deal-breaker? That's totally your call, but if you want a powerful fitness watch with a stainless steel build, built-in flashlight, and a ton of health and fitness tracking features, the Venu 4 is one of the best options around — particularly when you slap on a historic discount.

It's no secret that Garmin produces some of the best fitness watches in the biz, but many of its best models can cost a pretty penny. Fortunately (and somewhat surprisingly), Best Buy is attempting to remedy that fact by quietly slashing a straight $400 off the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, a last-gen fitness feature powerhouse and battery life beast that still holds its own among the best Garmin watches on the market. 

Sure, if money is no object, going with the newer Fenix 8 Pro might be the move. But if you value rugged design, comprehensive health tracking technology, and good old-fashioned bang for the buck, this discount on the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is an unmissable opportunity. 

✅Recommended if: you want a rugged smartwatch with a built-in flashlight, GPS tracking, and a ton of health and fitness tracking metrics; you don't mind missing out on a few of the newest features if it means you can get a good deal. 

❌Skip this deal if: you can afford a newer Garmin watch; you want a fitness wearable with smartwatch features; you prefer a more sleek, lightweight device; you're a serious athlete who doesn't mind paying more for all of the latest software features.

The Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar harnesses the power of the sun to supplement your watch's battery life, resulting in a yield of up to 37 days (in smartwatch mode) before it needs more juice. The fitness watch also boasts military-grade durability with GPS tracking and all of the health tracking technology that's made Garmin famous, such as heart rate monitoring, VO2 max, Pulse Ox, and sleep score.

In addition to those basic fitness tracking features, the Garmin watch provides a few premium goodies that you may not expect from a last-gen model, including a built-in LED flashlight, pre-loaded TopoActive maps, and dozens of pre-installed sports modes straight out of the box. 

The last-gen Garmin 7X Sapphire Solar — a great choice for many, but not for all

Of course, I don't need to tell you that going with a last-gen smartwatch comes with some sacrifices. Buying the 7X Sapphire Solar means that you'll be missing out on some of the newest features that are now commonplace in Garmin wearables, such as an AMOLED display, ECG and skin temperature monitoring, and a built-in mic for voice calls.

The question is whether you need all of that stuff. Some athletes do, but many don't. If you just want a straightforward and rugged smartwatch that gives you a ton of fitness data after your workouts, the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is a great choice at a great price — just be sure to check the full list of Garmin features so you're getting everything you need.

Last autumn, Meta announced an awesome partnership with Garmin, allowing Oakley Meta and Ray-Ban Meta users to link their glasses and smart watches together. This made it so that detailed Garmin fitness stats captured from your smartwatch would be automatically overlaid onto any videos recorded from your glasses during your workouts.

As a person who loves going to Spartan races, I was enamored with the idea of seeing my fitness data visually alongside the obstacles I went through in each race. The problem was that my Garmin watch was too old and didn't support the Meta AI linking feature. Garmin watches are quite expensive, so I haven't exactly been jumping at the gun to get a new one, but a new partnership between Meta and Strava turned out to be the answer I'd been looking for.

Now, any Ray-Ban Meta or Oakley Meta user can get a brilliant stat overlay on their videos when they link up the Strava app with the Meta AI app. The stats provided by this integration are enough for me to safely put off an upgrade to a newer Garmin watch for a while, and that's music to my ears.

How to link Strava and Meta AI glasses

At first, I thought the Meta AI and Strava partnership would automatically tag any videos taken at the same time as a workout sent to Strava. I went to the gym for my typical workout of the day session and tracked the entire thing, plus recorded a few of the 400 meter runs I was tasked with, but I couldn't figure out how to add the Strava stats to my videos.

Turns out, you need to initiate the workout tracking from the Strava app, which is just fine if you're running a Wear OS watch like the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm I'm using. You can also use the Strava phone app, but you'll be missing out on heart rate data.

Unfortunately, there's no way to link Strava exercises to videos captured with Meta AI glasses if you didn't record the workout using the Strava app. That means you can't add stats to old videos, but at least you know this going forward.

To begin, you'll want to open the Meta AI app, tap the devices tab at the bottom, then tap the settings wheel next to your glasses. In the list, select App Connections, then select Strava from the list. Log in with your Strava account and accept the required permissions needed to track your stats.

Now, when you're ready to work out, start the activity from the Strava app on your phone or smartwatch. While Strava is tracking your workout, record videos or with your Meta AI glasses. Photos don't seem to offer the option to overlay stats, only videos.

Once your workout is complete, open the Meta AI app on your phone, tap the devices tab at the bottom, and select gallery. Open one of the videos you took during your workout, then tap the stats button on the top left corner. Enable the stats slider, then select up to five available stats to overlay onto your video.

By default, the stats panel shows real-time data as you move through the video, but you can change it to a summary by selecting Stat Type in this section and changing it to summary. Each of these stat types offers different stats to show, making it fun to use both types for different videos. Using a smartwatch to record your Strava workout will net you the most stats since it can record heart rate and other data points.

Once you're happy with your stats, tap the Save button on the top right to save a new video to your phone's gallery. Now you can share the video with overlayed stats either using the Meta AI app or your favorite gallery app on your phone, like Google Photos.

If you value battery life in your devices, there's only one Garmin watch deal that you need to see this Presidents' Day. The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar, one of the best smartwatches for battery life ever built, is currently sitting with a 40% discount during Amazon's big sale. That's the cheapest that the watch has EVER been!

Large, rugged, and feature-packed, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar harnesses the power of the sun to deliver virtually unlimited battery life, plus you get military-grade durability, a handy built-in flashlight, and all of the health and fitness tracking technology that has made Garmin so iconic in the wearable space. 

• See the full list of deals during Amazon's Presidents' Day sale

✅Recommended if: battery life and durability are the most important factors for you when buying a smartwatch; you simply want accurate health and fitness tracking without all of the bells and whistles of a modern Android smartwatch. 

❌Skip this deal if: you can afford the newer Garmin Instinct 3; you need all of the latest software features; you'd prefer a more sleek, lightweight smartwatch.

Although the Garmin Instinct 3 is the new battery life king, back in 2023 the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar was the longest-lasting wearable that we had ever tested, averaging 40 days on a single charge in smartwatch mode (without solar). 

Activate the solar charging and the battery could technically last indefinitely, although once the percentage drops far enough you won't have access to many features beyond basic health tracking. 

On the software level, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar may feel a bit barebones when compared to other recent fitness watches, but you're still getting essential features like ultra-accurate GPS, heartrate, and blood oxygen level monitoring. The watch also provides sleep monitoring, stress tracking, and respiration data, plus classic Garmin features like Body Battery and Training Readiness. 

Nearly three years later and the Instinct 3 has taken over as the best Garmin watch for battery life, but that newer model is also going to cost you considerably more cash. As far as bang for the buck is concerned, if you want a rugged fitness watch with great battery life and all of the essential health and fitness tracking capabilities, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is a total steal at this price.  

Garmin watch deals don't come around very often, but when they do, it usually means that the fitness brand's entire lineup of wearables is going on sale for a limited time. 

That's why I was surprised to come across a lonely $100 discount on the Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S at Best Buy, just sitting there quietly without all of the usual fanfare you'd expect from the brand. Although it's technically been supplanted by the newer Garmin Venu 4, the Venu 3 (and its stylish little sibling, the Venu 3S) is still an excellent fitness watch for most people. Slap on a $100 discount and this Best Buy deal becomes a no-brainer. 

The Garmin Venu 3 scores another Black Friday-level price drop at Best Buy

✅Recommended if: you want a sophisticated smartwatch with 24/7 health and fitness tracking capabilities, but you don't want to pay for the newest model. You want a fitness watch that doesn't look like a fitness watch, and you want it for cheap. 

❌Skip this deal if: you can afford to spend a bit more on the newer Garmin Venu 4; you'd rather grab one of the best Android smartwatches on the market today.

Although it dropped back in 2023, the Garmin Venu 3 was ahead of its time in many ways. Both the 3 and the 3S boast sleek designs with AMOLED displays straight out of the box, plus you get all of the health and fitness tracking features you'd expect from the brand, such as accurate 24/7 heart rate monitoring with ECG, sleep coach, Body Battery, and plenty of others. The watch even comes with 30 sports modes pre-installed, so you can jump right in to your favorite exercises as soon as the device is set up. 

The watch also comes with a built-in mic and speaker and two weeks of battery life on a single charge. There are even some premium features you may not expect from a last-gen fitness tracker, such as NFC payment support, 8GB of music storage, and animated on-screen workout guidance.

So how does the Garmin Venu 3 compare to the newer Venu 4? Well, it's not as cut-and-dry as you might think. The two watches look pretty similar at first glance, although the Venu 4 is a bit slimmer with fewer physical buttons along the side. The newer Garmin watch also has better features than the last-gen model, and you get to use the newest Garmin UI.

On the other hand, both watches share the same accurate health sensors, and the Garmin Venu 3 actually wins out with day-to-day battery life. So ask yourself: are you a relatively self-guided athlete who doesn't need all of the latest features? If so, this deal on the Venu 3 is definitely worth a look.

This week, Garmin released the Quatix 8 Pro, a $1,300 Marine GPS watch designed for sailors. Almost no one reading this article would ever buy one. But its arrival, so close on the heels of the Fenix 8 Pro, gives Garmin fans a reason to hope that more affordable "Garmin X Pro" watches will arrive this year.

The first two Pro watches added LTE-M cellular and InReach connectivity to Skylo satellites. Current Garmin watches with messaging or live-tracking capabilities depend on your phone; these new models let you signal an SOS, broadcast your GPS location, or send messages and voice memos.

Satellite on smartwatches is a vital safety feature, one that's increasingly available on mainstream smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Google Pixel Watch 4. And cellular connectivity ensures you're less dependent upon your phone to stay connected with family on long hikes.

It benefits Garmin to lean into its own satellite option, packed into watches that last significantly longer than competing brands. That's why I'm hoping that Garmin won't limit its satellite or LTE upgrades to its most expensive models, so more people can use them.

Why I expect more Garmin Pro watches this year

If more Garmin Pro watches are coming, the Kansas-based brand will start with its other premium models: a Tactix 8 Pro for soldiers, D2 Mach 2 Pro for pilots, Descent Mk3 Pro for divers, or MARQ Pro series for, well, rich people.

But Garmin's stock crashed last year when not enough people bought the uber-expensive Fenix 8 Pro, and it's unclear if people will spend another $1K–3K for LTE and satellite on top of the same features. The new Fenix 9 and Enduro 4 will prop Garmin profits back up this summer, but that won't be enough for shareholders expecting continued growth in every category.

As I explained in my 2026 fitness watch predictions, Garmin usually releases new models on a two-year cadence, and after a crammed 2025, we can't expect an Instinct 4, Venu 5, Forerunner 980, Vivoactive 7, or other mainline releases.

In the past, Garmin has filled these off years with partial upgrades, such as the Instinct 2X or Venu 2 Plus. Garmin could follow this pattern in 2026 (and attempt to maintain its profits) by re-releasing its best 2025 models with LTE and satellite capabilities, including the Instinct 3 Pro, Venu 4 Pro, and Forerunner 570 Pro, among others.

The Instinct 3 is the most obvious fit, since it's tailored to hikers, but I could just as easily see trail runners preferring a Forerunner 970 spinoff with satellite capabilities. And Garmin could theoretically stick to LTE for the Venu 4 Pro, since its target audience might not benefit as much from satellite connectivity and would prefer a thinner design.

My preference would be a Forerunner 970 Pro or Venu X1 Pro, though the latter might be too skinny to make this work. The wider the selection of Garmin Pros, the safer people will be on long hikes and trail runs — and the more InReach subscriptions Garmin will sell.

The main hurdle to more Garmin Pro watches: The antennas

The Fenix 8 Pro 47mm measures 16mm thick, 2.2mm thicker than the non-Pro model. It's exactly the same for the Quatix 8 (13.8mm) and Quatix 8 Pro (16mm). Both Pro models also weigh slightly more (4g).

When Garmin released the Fenix 8 Pro, it told DCR that it couldn't sell a 43mm model "due to hardware limitations with integrating the LTE antenna." Both it and the InReach antenna were apparently too difficult to incorporate into a smaller design.

This means that a hypothetical Venu 4 Pro would only be available in the larger 45mm model. And since the Venu 4 measures 12.5mm thick, would the Venu 4 Pro need to be about 15mm thick to incorporate Garmin's antennas, or also 16mm? That would certainly detract from its style a bit.

Likewise, since the Garmin Instinct 3 already measures about 14.5–15mm thick, would a Pro version need to measure 17mm, or would its current thickness leave room for the new antennas? These are the design challenges that Garmin engineers are (hopefully) solving right now.

Whatever the case, I think plenty of Garmin fans will accept a thicker design if the Pro models remain relatively lightweight with consistent battery life, and offer them the peace of mind that comes with having satellite for worst-case scenarios.

What you need to know

• Garmin announced new nutrition tracking features for Garmin Connect Plus users this week, allowing you to set caloric goals to lose weight or see nutrient recommendations tailored to your body size.
• You can use your phone camera to scan barcodes or "AI-powered image recognition" to log your food data.
• Garmin's nutrition tracking will sync with Connect+ AI summaries and Lifestyle Logging, connecting poor eating habits to their effects on your health stats.

Garmin wants to help users hit their New Year's resolutions to eat better, adding a dedication nutrition tracking tool with personalized diet recommendations and AI image recognition to log your calories. But you'll need a Connect Plus subscription to access it.

Already available in the Connect app on Android and iOS, nutrition tracking can be added as a main Tab in the navigation bar; you can also add the nutrition widget to the In Focus or At a Glance sections on the Home tab.

Essentially, Garmin Nutrition Tracking lets you log meals or individual food items from a "global food database" with "packaged, restaurant and regional food options," either by searching by name or using your phone camera to scan barcodes. You can even use "AI-powered image recognition" to capture restaurant meals or others that aren't easily quantified.

It's similar to how Amazfit's Zepp Health logs food using AI recognition, though that doesn't require a subscription. I plan to test Garmin's AI accuracy in the coming weeks.

Once logged, your food's calories, protein, fat, and carbs will be compared against your daily targets, created using personalized data like height, weight, gender, and active calories from workouts. You'll also customize your targets based on your specific goal, like losing X pounds in Y weeks or eating more protein.

Like most nutritional apps, Garmin allows you to create food favorites to log them more quickly and easily. Certain Garmin watches also support the option to add favorites directly on your wrist, while older models will rely on mobile logging.

Update: Garmin has shared the full list of watches supporting the feature, either natively or via Connect IQ:

• Fenix 8 / Pro / E
• Forerunner 570 / 970
• Instinct 3 AMOLED / MIP / Tactical
• Venu 4 / X1
• Vivoactive 6
• Connect IQ: Fenix 6 family, Fenix 7 family, Forerunner 165 / 255 / 265 / 955 / 965, Venu 2 / 3, Vivoactive 4 / 5

Once you start logging meals long-term, Garmin will create "daily, weekly, monthly and annual reports" so you can see your changing dietary habits over time, while the "Active Intelligence" AI will judge "how nutrition is impacting health and training," like hypothetically connecting your poor sleep to late-night snacking.

Garmin Connect Plus launched in 2025 with a few exclusive features: AI workout summaries, local Garmin Trails recs, live mobile activities, coaching videos paired to Garmin Coach training plans, extra challenges and badges, and advanced data graphs in the Connect web interface.

Garmin hasn't paywalled any old features, but long-time users tend to react negatively whenever a new feature requires Connect+, such as the recent Year in Review. But nutrition logging is often featured on paid apps such as Fitbit Premium or MyFitnessPal, so it's not surprising to see this feature tied to a subscription.

Garmin has emphasized health tracking with recent updates, particularly Health Status and Lifestyle Logging. Nutrition falls into the same mainstream category, targeting athletes who expect guidance and coaching for both health and fitness.

Anyone can try Garmin Connect Plus for 30 days to test nutrition logging, after which you'll need to pay $6.99/month or $69.99/year.

We had a strong 2025 for fitness watches and wearable tech, but like you, I'm already turning my attention to what 2026 has in store for us, from new Garmin tech to escalating lawsuits and improved smart glasses-fitness integration.

My 2026 Pixel and Galaxy Watch predictions included plenty of exciting health and fitness tools, but I'm focusing here on the dedicated fitness brands — Garmin, COROS, Polar, Suunto, Amazfit, and so on — and the new hardware and software we should expect this year, with some smart ring and glasses info thrown in.

Plus, I'm listing out everything I want to see in the fitness space in 2026. Let's dive into what should be an exciting year (if I'm right)!

Garmin will find a signature Fenix 9 feature for an otherwise quieter 2026

Garmin's 2025 was packed with new Forerunners, Venus, Instincts, Vivoactives, and more. This should be an off-year: Aside from the already-leaked Vivosmart 6 fitness band, we could see an Instinct 3X or Venu Sq 3; a Forerunner 170 or Lily 3 is possible but less likely, given they've followed three-year schedules so far.

The only guaranteed release is the Fenix 9, with an Enduro 4 also highly likely. Garmin's stock flopped because the Fenix 8 Pro didn't sell to expectations, so there'll be huge pressure to innovate.

We've seen Garmin patents for "glycated hemoglobin" tracking and "pulse spectrometry" data for your hydration levels and red blood cell count; either could be the signature feature for sixth-gen Elevate sensors. Two other recent patents — Solar charging on AMOLED displays and a crown instead of Up/Down buttons — could signal design changes to make the Fenix 9 stand out.

Garmin's rivals will keep undercutting its watches and focus on Whoop-style bands

COROS had a strong ending to 2025 with three new watches, but there's one obvious missing link: the VERTIX series, which launched the 2 in 2021 and 2S in 2024. After the APEX 4 skipped a generation to align with the PACE 4, a VERTIX 4 in 2026 as a more affordable Fenix 9 rival seems like an obvious prediction.

Otherwise, I'm expecting COROS to launch a diving or snorkeling feature with the APEX 4's inactive depth sensor. It even patented an "Underwater Motion Trajectory" tool in October that would track smartwatch swimming motions with sonar, which sounds pretty cool.

Polar should continue to focus on the Polar Loop in 2026, with an emphasis on rebuilding the Polar Flow app to make the experience more compelling. Gadgets & Wearables has Polar on record about its three-step app revamp plan; eventually, we'll get a "dynamic and data-centric" home screen that's user-customizable, a "layered navigation system where quick glances lead to more detailed insights," and "Cards" for metrics like HRV, similar to what we see in other fitness apps.

G&W also claims Suunto is building its own Whoop/ Polar Loop-style band, which we could theoretically see in 2026. It would be designed for 24/7 wear, tracking both sleep and workout data. I'm also expecting a budget version of the Race 2 (the Race 2S) to undercut the Forerunner lineup.

We've also seen leaks about an Amazfit Active Max coming soon, priced at $170 and featuring 25-day battery life and a 1.5-inch display. This, too, will target frugal athletes scared off by Garmin's ever-rising prices. Amazfit already sells its own Whoop-style Helio Strap.

Fitbit dives back into the fitness hardware game

The Google-owned Fitbit brand has barely released new hardware in the last few years. But it's guaranteed that we'll get new Fitbit-branded hardware in 2026, aligned with the new Fitbit Personal Health Coach AI that builds a personalized, flexible workout plan across different sport types.

Fitbit execs have made it fairly clear that the Pixel Watch is the official Fitbit smartwatch, which could mean we're more likely to see an Inspire 4 or Charge 7 than a Sense 3 or Versa 5 — though this isn't certain.

Fitness patent legal wars will escalate in 2026

This last year, we saw Oura wield smart ring patents to get Ultrahuman banned and sue Samsung and Amazfit. Strava sued Garmin before eventually settling the dispute, but Suunto also sued Garmin over patents related to golf ball tracking, breathing rate, and antenna design. Polar, meanwhile, failed to beat Suunto and Garmin's Firstbeat in court over a heart rate patent, while Whoop sued Polar for IP infringement over the Polar Loop's Whoop-esque design.

Samsung will continue to fight Oura in court in 2026, with its recent countersuit arguing that twelve Oura patents should be invalidated. And the Garmin/Suunto and Polar/Whoop battles should continue. But more broadly, fitness watch brands could become even more litigious in 2026, leading to deactivated features or even delisted devices.

Garmin desperately needs a performance boost (and a software pledge)

Garmin watches pack in more features than any other dedicated fitness watch brand, and the last generation improved the UI to be more smartwatch-like. But the hardware inside Garmin watches hasn't kept up: Menus are laggy, and using maps is painfully slow on the premium models. Garmin may want to prioritize battery life, but COROS managed to deliver its 2025 watches' zippy performance while still offering 2–3 weeks per charge.

The summer Fenix 9 launch is the perfect opportunity to pack in a new chipset and extra memory to make it feel more flagship-like. It would help Garmin improve smart features on Fenixes that aren't especially reliable — like auto-route generation and voice commands — and add new on-watch features like live challenge progress.

At the same time, Garmin should reassure buyers by promising to support the Fenix 9 with Fenix 10 features.

Garmin alienates its most loyal customers every time it cuts off software support for $800+ watches after 1–2 years, and that'll only escalate when Fenix 8 owners get shunted aside. A three- or four-year software guarantee, similar to what Apple and Samsung offer, would mollify users who think buying an exorbitant Fenix 9 is "worth it" in the long term.

More smartwatch-smart glasses synergy

This year, Meta glasses added Garmin integration, reading real-time Garmin stats, automatically capturing footage of key workout moments for a shareable montage, and warning you if you're outside your target HR zone. I'd like Meta and Garmin to keep tag-teaming new features in 2026, and for Meta to open up this feature to more fitness watch brands.

Likewise, we know that Samsung AI glasses with Google software will launch in 2026 and will sync with Wear OS watches for features like gesture shortcuts. Google could easily make Android XR compatible with Fitbit and Samsung Health.

In particular, the Samsung glasses with a HUD could display your real-time workout data, just like the ENGO 2 glasses, for sports like cycling, where you want to keep your eyes forward. And they could use Gemini integration for personalized AI audio coaching, too.

A proper 2026 Fitbit renaissance

I think that we're only going to get basic Fitbit trackers in 2026. What I want is a new Sense 3 or Versa 5 — essentially a Pixel Watch 4 Lite.

I want a Fitbit watch with week-long battery life and a lighter, thinner design. But I also want the last few years of Pixel Watch fitness perks to carry over, as dual-band GPS, HR algorithm improvements, and Gemini-made workouts ported from your phone to your watch. A Fitbit Ring would also be nice!

Better fitness watch repairability

Fitness watches like Garmin's are known to work for years until the battery gives out, but once something goes wrong, you can't repair it because their components are glued together, both for water resistance and ease of production. Even if it's under warranty, companies will just throw your old unit away and send you a new one.

I want more fitness watch brands to emulate Google's Pixel Watch 4 repairable design. Basically, any layman can follow documentation to take their Pixel Watch 4 apart if they want to swap in a new battery or replace a cracked display. This would let people keep their old watches going far longer, instead of being forced to upgrade.

As the holidays approach, a few smartwatch deals remain, like this $50 discount on the already affordable Garmin Forerunner 165 at Amazon.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a more affordable take on some of the company's many levels of running- and exercise-focused watches. It sports a fairly lightweight design that's easy to wear, a wide range of fitness features like Training Effect, Garmin Coach, and Recovery Time displays, and all-systems GNSS for optimal tracking accuracy.

While you can go even cheaper with the Forerunner 55, the 165 comes with a better heart rate sensor, HRV data, blood oxygen data, and the aforementioned GNSS system. It also comes with a cool toggleable display that can switch back and forth from AMOLED and MIP modes.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a Garmin smartwatch for under $200 that has a wide range of running and exercise programs, sensors, and additional capabilities; you like being able to switch between the dim MIP display and a bright, hyper-functional AMOLED-style display; you want something with a sporty design that isn't too bulky.

❌Skip this deal if: you're already a serious athlete who is entrenched in more premium fitness watches, and you'd rather not go with the best affordable Garmin watch; you'd consider upgrading to many of Garmin's more expensive options for advanced feature sets; you need a watch with more than 4GB of music storage.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 fits well into the company's lineup as an affordable, entry-level point into the smartwatch world. It features the hyper-accurate GNSS tracking, several programs for running, cycling, and more, and a long battery life that's suitable for longer-term outdoor adventures. Even with the low price tag, it still offers about 19 hours of battery with GPS tracking on, or 11 days in smartwatch mode. Our tests revealed the GNSS systems to be as accurate as they claimed, and we love the daily suggested workouts, race-adaptive training, and Garmin Coach features.

As for sensors, the Forerunner 165 includes an accelerometer, an altimeter, the Elevate v4 HRM heart rate system, Sp02, and a Pulse Ox sensor. Additionally, it sports a compass and an ambient light, as well as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 4GB of onboard music storage.

To be sure, the 165 is a big step up for Garmin from past iterations, especially because of its accuracy in both GPS tracking and health monitoring systems, and $50 off doesn't hurt either.

This fitness tech guide isn't for the natural athletes, responsible dieters, and 10,000-steps-a-day streakers who make good habits a lifestyle. It's for the exhausted parents, disordered eaters, and indoor types who want to get healthier but struggle with it.

I'm not a natural athlete. I was a chubby kid with asthma who got healthier with high school sports, then spent years slowly regressing despite trying to stay active. It's only in the last couple of years that I've shed a few dozen pounds and become as fast as I was a decade ago.

I fully credit this to two things: Following the advice of my fitness smartwatch and sticking religiously to my New Year's resolutions. I set achievable goals at the start of the year and make myself stick to them.

This Fitness 101 guide is designed to help my fellow strugglers who need to grit and claw their way to success. I've collected Starter Kits that'll help motivate you to hit your fitness goals, as well as our best fitness guides for the technology you can trust to be accurate (and affordable).

More personally, I've gathered some of my favorite testing articles from my weekly fitness column for hitting my goals, like when I walked 10,000 steps every day or stood up every hour.

By the time Quitter's Day arrives in mid-January, I think more people can stick to their New Year's fitness resolutions if they have the right tech, plan, and mindset. I hope this guide helps you with that!

- Michael Hicks, Senior Editor, Wearables

Your New Year's Resolution Starter Kit

Fitness tips and more from the AC staff

Picking the right tech to hit your fitness goals

What you need to know

• Placeholder information about the Garmin Vivosmart 6 has appeared on two regional Garmin websites.
• An unknown Garmin "Fitness Product" has also appeared in a Korea regulatory filing.
• The Vivosmart 6 will allegedly feature built-in GPS, whereas the 2022 Vivosmart 5 relied on your phone's GPS.
• Garmin frequently launches new devices at CES, making CES 2026 a likely launch window.

Garmin will allegedly reenter the budget fitness tracker market after a nearly four-year wait, as the Garmin Vivosmart 6 seems likely to get a Las Vegas reveal in less than a month.

Gadgets & Wearables has compiled a list of evidence, including an apparent Google Search preview for a Garmin Indonesia page, claiming the Vivosmart 6 will have "built-in GPS and more than 30 sports applications."

That would be a step up from the Vivosmart 5, which used connected GPS and only had 13 sports modes in total. The 2022 tracker used a 0.41" x 0.73" OLED touchscreen and included HR, blood oxygen, and accelerometer data, with a seven-day battery life packed into a petite 24–26g design.

Garmin's Korea regulatory listing for "model number A04986" is classified as a "Fitness Product," which G&W notes is different from most Garmin products listed as a "Smart Watch." It also says they spotted a "placeholder webpage" on Garmin Sweden for the Vivosmart 6.

With Garmin announcing the Lily 2 at CES 2024, then the Instinct 3 and HRM 200 at CES 2025, it's a fair assumption that the Vivosmart 6 will launch at CES 2026, which begins January 6.

The fitness tracker market has shrunk in recent years, with consumers pivoting to cheap, full-sized smartwatches, while brands like Xiaomi sell cheap trackers that could make the Vivosmart 6 feel expensive to casual athletes.

Garmin's main North American rival is Fitbit, which is expected to release new hardware in 2026, likely an Inspire 4 or Charge 7. Garmin will have a head start with an early 2026 release and lack of mandatory subscription.

What we'd expect (and want) from the Garmin Vivosmart 6

Right now, you can buy a Xiaomi Mi Band 10 and get a 1.7-inch, 1,500-nit AMOLED display, three weeks of battery life, a gyroscope, and 150 sports modes for $50 (though no GPS). With a Fitbit Charge 6, you have a 1-inch display, a longer list of health sensors — skin temp, ECG, and EDA — and a few Google apps, and it's usually on sale for $100.

Garmin has been increasing its watch prices over the last couple of years, so whether the Vivosmart 6 sticks to the old $149 price or climbs to $199, Garmin will need to find ways to justify that high price for a product category that's trending toward cheap value.

Built-in GPS is a great start; giving the Vivosmart 6 a full-color display that's larger, while still keeping the device lightweight and offering at least a week of battery life, is the next step. And if Garmin can pull some tools from the Vivoactive 6 like the Smart Wake alarm and daily walking suggestions, that would make the next Vivosmart feel more modern.

I'd also expect some health features from the last few years to appear: Heart Rate Variability (HRV), sleep coaching, nap detection, breathing variations, and (most importantly) the new Health Status tool spotting outliers in people's health.

I'm not expecting Garmin's more in-depth training insights on this petite device, such as training load/ effect or built-in indoor workouts. But post-workout recovery data would certainly be a welcome addition!

What you need to know

• Garmin released its 2025 data report on Tuesday, showing health and fitness trends for Garmin watch owners.
• According to Garmin, users recorded 8% more activities than in 2024, with racket sports and Pilates seeing the biggest growth.
• Garmin users spent 55 minutes per activity on average, while only 28% of users averaged 10,000 steps per day.
• The report breaks down which countries performed best or worst in areas like steps and stress.

Garmin has released a 2025 report breaking down key stats of how Garmin watch owners used their devices this year, and how well they did at staying well-rested and stress-free. Now, you have a baseline to see how your stats compare against others your age, or against folks in other countries.

The 2025 Garmin Connect data report shows which sports have become more popular among its users, chiefly racket sports (+67%) like pickleball, badminton, and table tennis. According to Garmin, it's 18–29-year-olds who drove this growth most.

Pilates (46%), HIIT (45%), and general Strength training (29%) were next on the list. Running grew slightly (6%), but indoor running (16%) saw a much bigger growth, with women in particular relying on treadmills more often.

The report also broke down how long people typically spent running, walking, or cycling per activity. Over 3/4 of logged runs last less than an hour, with only a tiny percentage hitting two hours. Even marathoners mix long runs with jogs and short sprints, while most other athletes are running in shorter bursts.

Likewise, nearly half of all logged walks are between 0–30 minutes; clearly, Garmin users are logging every mile they can from dog-walking or lunch jaunts. But overall, 55 minutes is the average length for an activity; other, longer sports like hiking and cycling skew up the average.

It was also fascinating to see the bell-curved graph of users' average daily steps, with 8,000 steps as the middle point. According to Garmin, Hong Kong-based users average the most steps per day (10,663), followed by South Korea, Spain, China, and Ireland.

For competitive Garmin users, you can compare your average steps against this graph and see how you stack up, and whether you want to raise your average in 2026 as a New Year's resolution.

Likewise, Garmin goads us with this report into trying to earn some of its toughest badges. For example, only 0.7% of users have earned the Everest expedition badge for climbing 29,029 feet, while 1.5% have earned the Appalachian Trail badge for hiking 2,200 miles.

The full report breaks down more information on the average times that people start working out and which generations prefer which workouts. For instance, 60–69-year-olds led other age groups for outdoor cycling, walking, and hiking, while people my age do much more treadmill running and strength training than I do.

It's also fascinating to see demographic differences in users' stats. Dutch Garmin owners are the least stressed of any country, Portuguese users get the most recharge from sleep, Chinese users burn the most energy per day, Slovenians hike more than anyone else, and so on.

While anyone can check their own averages in the Connect app and see how they compare, Garmin says that Connect Plus users will receive a personalized "Rundown," or highlight reel, starting today with their own total steps, average sleep score, activity stats, and more.

What you need to know

• The Garmin InReach Mini 3 is an SOS satellite communicator handheld that weighs 4.4 ounces and lasts up to two weeks per charge.
• It lets you send or receive 30-second voice clips, text using a 1.9-inch MIP touch display, send photos via your phone, or transmit your LiveTrack location.
• It adds new features like Voice Commands, multi-band GPS, and a passcode.
• It doesn't support cellular connectivity and requires an InReach satellite subscription starting at $7.99/month.

As exciting as it was when the Fenix 8 Pro added LTE and satellite in a compact wearable device, its $1,200+ price tag made it a tough sell, and its small size limits areas like battery life. Now, Garmin is launching the InReach Mini 3 Plus, an SOS satellite handheld communicator that may be a more practical option for serious backpackers who spend time in cellular dead zones.

Unlike past InReach models like the Messenger Plus or Mini 2, the InReach Mini 3 Plus has a touch display that spreads across most of its body, in addition to the usual nav buttons. This will make menuing and sending messages on the device significantly easier, where before you had to tap through letters one at a time.

The Mini 3 Plus packs in a mic and speaker, letting you send short voice messages or record voice memos via the device, then hear your loved ones' replies, all over satellite. It can also send photos, though you'll need your phone to capture and upload them to the Messenger app.

The Fenix 8 Pro, by contrast, can only send text messages, check-ins, and SOS alerts — no photos or voice memos. And while the InReach Messenger Plus can send voice memos, too, you have to use your phone, while the Mini 3 Plus works even if your phone battery dies.

Garmin uses the mic & speaker to enable voice commands, too, letting you trigger certain features like check-ins or turning on LiveTrack without needing to use the touchscreen. We're curious to see how well this feature works, as voice commands can be hit-or-miss on Garmin watches.

Like most InReach devices and GPSMAP handhelds, the InReach Mini 3 Plus has an SOS button that sends an emergency message and your GPS location to a 24/7 Garmin Response team. What's new is access to the touchscreen to make replies to responders easier, as well as multi-band GPS frequency for more accurate location data.

It's also the first InReach device we know of to have an MIL-STD-810 rating for thermal, shock, and water damage, with an IP67 rating instead of IPX7 for the Messenger Plus and Mini 2. This should help it survive falls, though the display only has "chemically strengthened glass."

Outside of emergencies, you can have the Mini 3 Plus send LiveTrack location data to trusted contacts. Garmin says it'll last for 350 hours (about 14 days) with ten-minute check-in intervals, or 95 hours in "performance" mode with more frequent messages.

In terms of what the Mini 3 Plus can do besides satellite messaging, you can sync it with the Garmin Explore app, where you'll create GPX courses for you to follow with turn-by-turn navigation. You can also check weather forecasts or satellite imagery using the app.

The Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus starts at $499.99, or $449 for a version without photo and voice messaging. If that price feels a little high, the InReach Mini 2 is $150 off with a leftover Cyber Monday deal, down to $249; the InReach Messenger Plus is also $150 off if you want photo and video messaging via your phone.

I've tried going without using a smartwatch, but I always come crawling back. This time, it was Garmin that won me over with its new Instinct Crossover AMOLED. Now's your chance to get one too, as it was originally one of the best Cyber Monday deals, but is still on still, marking the first time this new smartwatch has been discounted, saving you $100.

There are actually quite a few Cyber Monday smartwatch deals that are hanging around, but the Crossover AMOLED is arguably the most unique of the bunch. Instead of just throwing a digital clock on the screen, the Instinct Crossover AMOLED is also equipped with analog watch hands, which is great if you just need to check the time but the "smartwatch" has run out of juice.

✅Recommended if: You want a smartwatch that combines modern and classic watch designs in favor of a hybrid approach. And if you liked the original Instinct Crossover but wanted an AMOLED display, here you go.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a more traditional smartwatch that doesn't have watch hands that can potentially get in the way. It's also probably a bit too much for those who don't work out on a regular basis.

It arrived back in September 2025 with a retail price of $649, serving as the successor to the original Instinct Crossover, with a few added features. I actually reviewed its predecessor back in 2023, giving it a 4/5 star rating. At the time, it gained points for its battery life and ingenious hybrid design, but it lost ground due to the lack of onboard storage and a potentially frustrating navigation experience.

The defining feature of this latest iteration is the screen itself, as Garmin ditched the 0.9-inch monocolor display in favor of a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen. Not just that, but the analog watch hands have been designed in such a way that they stand out better when you need to check the time.

The Crossover AMOLED also implements multi-band GPS, white & red LED lights, and "identical training tools" to Garmin's Instinct 3. I've been using the watch for the past week or so while working on the review, and I do admit that it looks a lot better than before. Even the "Bronze/Sunburst" colorway is starting to grow on me a bit.

However, not everything is an improvement over the previous generation. Most notably, battery life takes a massive hit, as the new Crossover AMOLED is now rated for 14 days on a single charge. This is less than half the rated battery life of the original Instinct Crossover, and while it's still far more than many other smartwatches, it's something to keep in mind.

Beyond that, the Crossover AMOLED still lacks any touch controls, leaving you to navigate through menus and dismiss notifications using the built-in buttons. But hey, everything else about this is just as good as the other options in Garmin's vast array of premium smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Considering that it's not often we see discounts on Garmin wearables, this is one lingering Cyber Monday smartwatch deal you won't want to pass up.

Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
• Cyber Monday Google Pixel deals
• Cyber Monday Motorola deals

I've tried going without using a smartwatch, but I always come crawling back. This time, it was Garmin that won me over with its new Instinct Crossover AMOLED. Now's your chance to get one too, as this Cyber Monday deal marks the first time this new smartwatch has been discounted, saving you $100.

There are actually quite a few Cyber Monday smartwatch deals, but the Crossover AMOLED is arguably the most unique of the bunch. Instead of just throwing a digital clock on the screen, the Instinct Crossover AMOLED is also equipped with analog watch hands, which is great if you just need to check the time but the "smartwatch" has run out of juice.

✅Recommended if: You want a smartwatch that combines modern and classic watch designs in favor of a hybrid approach. And if you liked the original Instinct Crossover but wanted an AMOLED display, here you go.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a more traditional smartwatch that doesn't have watch hands that can potentially get in the way. It's also probably a bit too much for those who don't work out on a regular basis.

It arrived back in September 2025 with a retail price of $649, serving as the successor to the original Instinct Crossover, with a few added features. I actually reviewed its predecessor back in 2023, giving it a 4/5 star rating. At the time, it gained points for its battery life and ingenious hybrid design, but it lost ground due to the lack of onboard storage and a potentially frustrating navigation experience.

The defining feature of this latest iteration is the screen itself, as Garmin ditched the 0.9-inch monocolor display in favor of a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen. Not just that, but the analog watch hands have been designed in such a way that they stand out better when you need to check the time.

The Crossover AMOLED also implements multi-band GPS, white & red LED lights, and "identical training tools" to Garmin's Instinct 3. I've been using the watch for the past week or so while working on the review, and I do admit that it looks a lot better than before. Even the "Bronze/Sunburst" colorway is starting to grow on me a bit.

However, not everything is an improvement over the previous generation. Most notably, battery life takes a massive hit, as the new Crossover AMOLED is now rated for 14 days on a single charge. This is less than half the rated battery life of the original Instinct Crossover, and while it's still far more than many other smartwatches, it's something to keep in mind.

Beyond that, the Crossover AMOLED still lacks any touch controls, leaving you to navigate through menus and dismiss notifications using the built-in buttons. But hey, everything else about this is just as good as the other options in Garmin's vast array of premium smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Considering that it's not often we see discounts on Garmin wearables, this is one Cyber Monday smartwatch deal you won't want to pass up.

Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
• Cyber Monday Google Pixel deals
• Cyber Monday Motorola deals

When looking for the best Cyber Monday smartwatch deals, battery life is not something you should overlook. Sure, there are wearables that look nicer and are more feature-packed, but if longevity is what you're looking for, nothing tops the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar, currently 36% off during Amazon's Cyber Monday sale.

The Instinct 2X Solar harnesses the power of the sun to deliver virtually unlimited battery life, plus the watch doesn't skimp on durable design and the latest Garmin fitness features.

Garmin deals have been coming and going all throughout this Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend, but if you're looking to finally place that order before the sales end, this could be your last chance.

• Amazon's Cyber Monday sale ends TONIGHT: see the deals

Thanks to the Garmin watch's hyper-efficient solar panel, the Instinct 2X Solar generally lasts about 40 days on a single charge, even if you're regularly using power-intensive features like dual-band GPS or the built-in LED flashlight.

Even at that baseline, the Garmin watch towers over many of its peers, but you could technically enjoy unlimited battery life if you stick with the most basic smartwatch and fitness tracking features. Looking beyond the battery life alone, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar also boasts military-grade thermal, shock, and water resistance, a ton of health and fitness tracking metrics, and a bright display that's easy to read in any light.

To be sure, this isn't the kind of smartwatch that you'll want to pair with your nicest outfit — and it's not about to blow you away with the latest AI features — but if you want something rugged and reliable to take on those long excursions in the great outdoors, the Instinct 2X Solar is one of the most trustworthy wearables on the market. And of course, a record-smashing Cyber Monday discount never hurts.

When do Cyber Monday sales end?

Black Friday has ended and today, December 1st, is officially Cyber Monday! This means that a ton of retailers all across the web are dropping considerable discounts on tech, while others are simply extending their existing Black Friday price drops a little longer.

While we might get lucky with a few offers, many of the best deals are certain to expire at midnight tonight. When looking for a great offer to buy before the sales wrap up, keep an eye out for a "Cyber Monday deal" stamp on the product page. This will be a good indicator of whether or not the discount is set to expire this evening. And as always, if you're shopping at Amazon, use Camelcamelcamel.com for price history tracking. Sometimes a deal will look really good but will actually be a common occurrence. That's where price tracking comes in handy.

Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Cyber Monday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Cyber Monday
• The best Samsung deals of Cyber Monday
• The best Motorola deals of Cyber Monday

The Enduro 3 is one of the last classic Garmin adventure watches, complete with an MIP display, month-long battery life, and solar charging. Other models, like the Garmin Fenix 8 and Venu X1, are smarter and flashier. However, neither the Fenix 8 nor the Venu X1 can last as long as the Garmin Enduro 3. Even as I’ve dabbled with other smartwatches, I keep coming back the Enduro, and it’s still on-sale after Black Friday as we look ahead to Cyber Monday.

To truly appreciate how crazy it is that the Enduro 3 is only $750 for a limited time, you need a bit of backstory. Garmin loaded the Enduro 3 full of features, but shaved $200 off the retail price compared to the Enduro 2. So, the Garmin Enduro 3 is already a solid value at $900, but it’s way better when Amazon, Best Buy, and Target take another $150 off.

✅Recommended if: you want a Garmin with the longest battery life; you need all-systems GPS and advanced fitness features; you’d like a bunch of storage space for offline maps.

❌Skip this deal if: you want a slimmer watch; you have a smaller budget and could live with a Forerunner or Venu watch.

• Every Black Friday and Cyber Monday Garmin deal

What I love about the Garmin Enduro 3

There’s a lot to love about the Garmin Enduro 3, but it all comes back to the battery life. I use the state-of-the-art Garmin Elevate v5 heart rate sensor to track regular walking, running, and hiking workouts, plus the occasional sleep tracking session. Even with all of that GPS tracking, I consistently get at least three weeks of usage out of the Enduro 3. When the dreaded “low battery” notification comes in, I usually have another week to charge it.

I rotate a few other premium smartwatches in, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. But guess which watch I turn to when I forget to charge one of those models on a given night? The Garmin Enduro 3. I can take it on a work trip and leave the charger at home. This kind of battery will change your life as soon as you give it a try.

More recently, I’ve been loving all of Garmin’s third-party app integrations. The Garmin Connect platform gets a bit data-dense for me at times, but I have my Enduro 3 set up to automatically upload my workout data to Nike Run Club and Meta AI as well. So, I can use Autocapture with Garmin on my Oakley Meta Vanguard sunglasses to track my runs and record live video thanks the Enduro 3. Plus, it’s all cross-platform, so I can pair my Garmin with iOS and Android as needed.

The Garmin Enduro 3 is a sleeper pick, especially with $150 off until this deal runs out. It might not be as sexy as the Fenix 8 or Venu X1, but it’s irreplaceable for me. If you’re tired of nightly (or weekly) charging and want the best Garmin tech, grab this Enduro 3 deal while you can.

Black Friday 2025 — quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
• Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals
• Black Friday Google Pixel deals
• Black Friday Motorola deals

Black Friday has come and gone, and yet the deal is still live, and it looks like this Garmin Fenix 8 offer will continue to hold steady until Cyber Monday. But is it worth your while?

When I reviewed the Garmin Fenix 8 last year, I called it a Frankenstein watch because it took the best parts from cheaper Garmin Forerunners, Instincts, and Venus and mashed them together into one device. Despite a major price increase, it still sold boatloads, breaking sales records as Garmin fans demanded the best.

So to get the Fenix 8 43mm AMOLED for $849 ($250 off) on Amazon instead of $1,099, it's undeniably a great deal, as is the Fenix 8 51mm Solar for $849 ($350 off). Either option is a reasonable alternative to an Apple Watch Ultra 3, and much cheaper than what people paid a year ago. Far be it from me to tell people not to buy what they want!

That being said, it is my job to offer alternatives. The Fenix 8 is Garmin's best available watch, but you can find plenty of excellent Garmin watches at much lower prices that offer 95% of the same software, such as the Forerunner 970 for $649 ($100 off). Unless you're a dedicated diver, surfer, or water skier, the Forerunner 970 will give you the tools you need for $200 less, even if the deal is less impressive on paper.

And even that might be too expensive for you! The question is, which Garmin watch Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal should you get?

Why I recommend other Garmin watches before the Fenix 8

The Fenix 8 came out in August 2024. After its launch, Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro (Gen 2) owners realized Garmin had stopped supporting its "last-gen" watches with new features, even though they'd paid close to a grand for them only a short time ago.

Since the Fenix 8 Pro launched this summer, we can assume Garmin will launch a Fenix 9 in summer 2026. Once it does, past history suggests Garmin will stop giving the Fenix 8 new features, upselling its most dedicated fans to the next generation. That also applies to other Garmin watches, but it's easier to accept 1–2 years of updates when you're paying half as much.

The Fenix 8 is absurdly packed with features for almost every sport out there. So ask yourself, how often will you use Garmin's most niche sports modes, or can you live with a cheaper model that you have to take off once while snorkeling on vacation, or might "only" last two weeks per charge instead of three or four?

I reviewed Forerunner, Instinct, and Venu watches before I ever tried on a Fenix. I grew to appreciate their strong battery life, lightweight designs, and core training features, without realizing the niche tools that I was missing. And when I upgraded to the Forerunner 955 and 965 with top-class tools and battery, they only cost $499–599.

That's why I don't want people to overpay for the Fenix 8, just because I liked testing it after receiving a free review unit. Its impressiveness doesn't mean I'd actually buy it myself! There are several great alternatives that I'd suggest first:

If you want long battery life, an AMOLED display, and advanced Fenix-class features: The Garmin Forerunner 970 is my first suggestion; if you want to spend even less, the Forerunner 965 is $449 ($150 off), with 23-day battery life, the same dual-band GPS accuracy, and top-class features like offline maps, Endurance Score, real-time stamina, MTB Grit & Flow, and Strava Live Segments, though not the newest 970/ Fenix 8 tricks like running tolerance and Strength Coach.

If you want a more stylish titanium watch: The Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) is $549 ($450 off), with most of the same perks like fifth-gen health sensors, mic & speaker for calling, a flashlight for safety at night, and sapphire glass, paired with an impressive 16-day battery life and all of the same tricks as the Forerunner 965.

You want cutting-edge features and style, but not the extras for: The Garmin Venu 4 is $499 ($50 off), with essentials like daily workout suggestions, training load, Bluetooth calling, health outliers from your baseline stats, and dual-band GPS. Its AMOLED display is twice as bright as the Fenix 8's, and its two-button design blends in more than the Fenix 8's sporty five-button look, while weighing less.

You want the same cutting-edge features in a much lighter design. The Fenix 8's weight takes some getting used to, unless you buy the smaller model that lasts ten days. So why not shed a couple more days and buy the Venu X1 for $599 ($200 off)? It lasts eight days per charge, but in exchange, you get an absurdly light and skinny design that blends in for hours-long workouts, paired with a 2-inch display that's much better than a Fenix 8's for following maps.

Feel free to ignore my advice if you have the money for the Fenix 8 and don't want to worry about the compromises of my other suggestions, like cheaper-looking polymer cases, fewer software perks, and shorter battery life. But I honestly think you shouldn't let FOMO upsell you to the Fenix 8 when other Garmin watches give you close to the same experience for hundreds less.

Other Black Friday deals

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday (so far)

The holidays are here, and if you're hoping to level up your fitness regimen in the new year, the Garmin deals below are an awesome place to start.

Since I have reviewed virtually every Garmin watch of the last few years — with my colleagues handling the rest — I'm well-placed to tell you which is best suited to your lifestyle. Are you a runner or couch-to-5Ker? Gym rat or dedicated 10,000-steps-a-dayer? Whatever the case, I'll point you to the best cheap and splurge options for each category of athlete. These are the best holiday Garmin deals that I'd actually buy!

Quick links

1. Garmin Vivoactive 6 (2025): $299.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
2. Garmin Lily 2 Active (2024): $299.99 $249.99 at Amazon
3. Garmin Forerunner 165 (2024): $249.99 $199.99 at Best Buy
4. Garmin Forerunner 265 (2023): $449.99 $299.99 at Best Buy
5. Garmin Forerunner 965 (2023): $599.99 $449.99 at Best Buy
6. Garmin Instinct 3 Solar (2025): $399.99 $299.99 at Best Buy
7. Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) (2023): $1,099.99 $624.90 at Amazon
8. Garmin Venu X1 (2025): $799.99 $599.99 at Best Buy

Garmin deals for beginners

If you're new to the Garmin brand, you shouldn't spend close to a grand on a Fenix 8 until you know that you like the Garmin OS and that you will work out enough to justify the switch. While most Garmin watches are expensive, there are a few I'd recommend that give you the essentials for less.

For walkers and beginner gym-goers: The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is "perfect if you're serious about fitness, but not that serious," as our reviewer described it. "Casual gym-goers" will appreciate the indoor workout guides with animations and muscle maps for each exercise on your wrist, as well as the accurate HR data and comfortably skinny design. For other casual athletes, you'll get daily walking suggestions, helping you to hit your 10,000 steps a day and lose weight.

For women: All of my picks above and below apply to women and men, to be clear, but if you want a particularly stylish Garmin watch that doesn't skimp on fitness tools, the Lily 2 Active is a particular favorite of my sister's, with a gorgeous patterned lens available in multiple colors that disguises how sporty the device is beneath the surface.

Garmin deals for runners

As a runner myself, I'd be thrilled with the options available. Every major Forerunner watch of the last few years — 165, 265, 570, 965, and 970 — has a significant discount; you just have to decide how much you're willing to spend.

Beginner runners: The Forerunner 165 is the best running watch for most people because it offers accurate data, daily workout and recovery suggestions, structured Garmin Coach plans, and post-run Training Effect for an affordable price. I highly recommend it for anyone new to Garmin before they start diving into the more advanced metrics.

Intermediate runners: The Forerunner 265 is a fantastic deal at $150 off, giving you extra battery life, dual-band GPS, Training Readiness estimates, and a training load focus widget that judges whether you need more low-aerobic or anaerobic workouts to improve your VO2 Max, without having to rely on Garmin's workout suggestions.

Expert runners: This is a much more difficult choice! The Forerunner 965 is a personal favorite, with 23-day battery life and premium perks like real-time stamina, Endurance/ Hill scores offline topographic maps, and Strava Live Segments that serious runners will appreciate, and it's $150-off deal is excellent.

Garmin deals for hikers

If you're someone who spends lots of time hiking or rucking on trails, Garmin watches will give you the ruggedness, accurate GPS in challenging conditions, and maps that you'll need to enjoy the wilderness safely.

Affordable battery life: The Garmin Instinct 3 is the obvious recommendation, especially at $100 off. It has MIL-STD-810 and 10ATM ratings for durability, with a design that looks bulky but is lighter than it looks. You can choose the MIP option and get "unlimited" battery life thanks to a hyper-efficient Solar glass panel, or the AMOLED option that's kinder on your eyes but still hits 18–24 days of battery life, depending on the size you pick.

Affordable premium option: While I could recommend a Fenix 8 Pro for its cellular and satellite connectivity, most people aren't going to buy a $1,099 ($100 off) deal. Instead, I'll point most hikers to the Epix Pro (Gen 2), which gives you 90% of the same perks as a Fenix 8 for significantly less, including an AMOLED display with sapphire glass, fifth-generation sensors for the best accuracy, a flashlight for your tent at night, a stylish titanium bezel, and offline maps to navigate tricky trails.

Best premium Garmin deals

If you're someone willing to spend Fenix-level money on a Garmin, then go for it! The Fenix 8 is $250 off on Best Buy, hitting the lowest price we've ever seen, and you'll get the best features available. That said, I want to point you to some options that are a bit more affordable, but still give you a fantastic all-around experience.

Best Garmin watch: The Garmin Venu 4 is the "ideal fitness watch for everyone," making significant upgrades over its predecessor in style, GPS accuracy, and training tools, essentially cramming the smarts of a Forerunner into a more attractive design for those who aren't a fan of Garmin's typical plastic-heavy, five-button aesthetic.

Best for Apple Watch converts: I have a particular soft spot for the Venu X1, which doesn't look anything like a traditional Garmin watch. It's incredibly skinny (7.9mm), lightweight (40g with strap), and large (2-inch, 2,000-nit AMOLED), with the premium features you'd get from the Forerunner 970. Choose this if you like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 aesthetic but would rather charge it every eight days instead of two.

FAQ

Where can I find the best Garmin deals?

Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy tend to have the best Garmin watch deals this time of year, but it never hurts to check Garmin.com to see what official discounts are available. If you don't mind using refurbished tech, you can also check sites like Backmarket.com for hefty discounts on renewed smartwatches.

What is the best Garmin watch?

Although it's really going to depend on your individual needs, we generally consider the Venu 4 to be one of the best Garmin watches for most folks. This is namely due to the watch's approachable price tag, high-end fitness features, and battery life. You can check our guide on the best Garmin watches for a more in-depth look at our top nine picks for every category.

Garmin has released an excellent lineup of fitness watches this year. The downside is that Garmin has raised its prices across most lineups, making 2025 the most expensive year yet to get the best features. And given Garmin's current stock struggles, I wouldn't be surprised if prices keep climbing next year to appease stockholders.

We gave the 2025 Garmin watches — the Vivoactive 6, Instinct 3, Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, Venu 4, Venu X1, Fenix 8 Pro, and Bounce 2 — generally glowing reviews. But my fellow reviewers and I had to acknowledge how expensive they all were, with mid-range models priced like flagship watches and the most expensive ones costing as much as a great smartphone.

Black Friday (temporarily) solves this, bringing the prices down to what they would have cost if Garmin acted like other smartwatch brands and treated upgrades as the norm, not an expensive add-on perk. In particular, the $100-off Forerunner 570 is an excellent deal, bringing the price down to what its predecessor originally cost.

Likewise, it's much easier to recommend the Instinct 3 AMOLED now that its price has fallen to $399 ($100 off). As much as its sporty design and up to 24 days of battery life will appeal to die-hard Garmin fans, its price was a bit too high considering you don't get "unlimited" battery life or offline maps. Now, it matches the Instinct 2 series' original pricing, while giving you new perks.

My last deal highlight is for Garmin's weirdest watch of 2025: the Venu X1. It's my favorite to wear because it's so incredibly comfortable, weighing just 40g with the nylon strap and measuring an absurd 7.9mm thick, while giving you a 2-inch, 2,000-nit display that makes maps and other features look fantastic. It's really hard to recommend at the original $800 price, but at $200 off? I think it's a great value, and a better choice than the $849 Fenix 8.

This only scratches the surface of all the Garmin watch deals available for Black Friday, but in terms of 2025 Garmin watches, I'm genuinely surprised at how tempting these deals are.

Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday

Retailers have started launching fitness smartwatch deals for Black Friday, including Amazon, which chopped $100 off the Garmin Forerunner 570. While this smartwatch normally seems pretty expensive for what it has to offer, $100 in savings should help make it seem a little more justifiable.

The 570 has multi-band GPS tracking, Bluetooth connectivity, 8GB of storage, and other standard sensors such as an accelerometer, an altimeter, a compass, and a gyroscope, along with Garmin's latest Elevate sensor. The main omissions on the Forerunner 570 include the lack of an ECG sensor, offline maps, and an LED flashlight, while the bulkiness makes it less than ideal for sleep monitoring use. However, it's still a pretty solid Garmin watch beyond those, especially for those seeking a wide range of running and fitness features, coaching plans, and more.

This particular Black Friday Garmin deal is for the 47mm version of the watch, featuring the slightly larger 1.4-inch AMOLED display. It also boasts a slightly better battery life than the 42mm configuration, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode or up to 18 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode.

✅Recommended if: you're a well-seasoned runner or workout enthusiast and you want a discount on one of Garmin's mid-range watch options; you prefer a large AMOLED display, even if it's a little bulkier than smaller models; you're looking for something with advanced fitness options but you don't want to pay the premium on a Forerunner 970.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for one of the best Android smartwatches on the market and you have the budget to upgrade; you're really new to running or other workout activities and you don't want to have to sift through the 570's many advanced options and modes; you need a smartwatch with an ECG sensor.

The Garmin Forerunner 570 is a great smartwatch for most runners, but it definitely bears repeating that it doesn't have an ECG sensor built in. Still, if that doesn't bother you, you'll likely find what you need in the watch's other features, including Garmin's latest Elevate sensor, an Sp02 sensor, an accelerometer, an altimeter, and gyroscope, and a range of multi-band GPS and satellite tracking hardware.

Many buyers like the colorful, sporty designs on the 570 models, and the large AMOLED display included on the 47mm configuration. It also comes with 8GB of storage, Bluetooth, NFC, and a built-in speaker, in addition to Garmin's Morning and Evening Reports.

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: major discounts on Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: official Black Friday discounts on tablets, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday (so far)

Garmin fans that want the brand's renowned health and fitness data without spending a fortune for it will probably turn to the Venu 4 or Forerunner 570. The two fitness smartwatches are each priced at $550, placing them in the mid-tier segment. The next step up in price puts buyers firmly in premium territory, with the Garmin Venu X1 costing $800 and the Forerunner 970 going for $750.

Still, the question of whether to put your $550 toward the Garmin Venu 4 or the Garmin Forerunner 570 is a perplexing one. While the Forerunner is better for running, as the name suggests, it's lacking in other areas compared to the Venu. When you consider the Venu 4 can also handle basic run tracking, it's easy to start looking at that Garmin smartwatch as the more versatile option. Let's compare all the differences between the Venu 4 and the Forerunner 570 to help you decide which one to buy.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Forerunner 570: Design and display

Looking at the Garmin Venu 4 and the Forerunner 570, you'll immediately notice that these two smartwatches feature completely opposite design styles. The Forerunner 570 is colorful and lightweight, foregoing premium materials like stainless steel in favor of lightness. The flashy, bright colors make it excellent for visibility and good looks while running, but limits how well the Forerunner 570 can dress up.

On the other hand, you have the Garmin Venu 4 with a stainless steel and fiber-polymer case, plus a fully stainless steel bezel. It looks more premium, with flat sides, fewer buttons, and muted colors. The Venu 4 is also smaller, both in overall footprint and thinness. It's available in both 41mm or 45mm sizes, offering 1.2-inch or 1.4-inch displays.

Despite the Forerunner 570 also offering 1.2-inch and 1.4-inch displays, it's larger, with 42mm and 47mm case options. Each watch sports an AMOLED display with a high peak brightness rating of 2,000 nits.

The watch is slightly thicker, at 12.9mm compared to 12.5mm. However, it's also lighter, which is crucial for a running watch. The 42mm model weighs 42 grams and the 45mm weighs 47 grams, including the strap. By comparison, the Venu 4 weighs 46g and 56g for its small and large size offerings, respectively.

Both ship with silicone sporty straps, but use standard 20 or 22mm watch bands, so they're fairly easy to swap out.

On the back, both Garmin watches feature a health sensor and the company's proprietary charging connector. Notably, the Venu 4 has an LED flashlight, which is great for finding things around the house or working out late at night. The Forerunner 570 only has a display flashlight feature that isn't nearly as effective. Each device has a 5ATM water-resistance rating and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on the front.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Forerunner 570: Hardware and specs

In terms of hardware, the Garmin Elevate v5 heart rate sensor is the core of both the Venu 4 and Forerunner 570. The upgraded sensor suite includes a more-accurate heart rate monitor, plus extras like a skin-temperature sensor and blood-oxygen sensor. The features are inconsistent across the devices, though.

For example, despite both watches using the same Elevate v5 sensor, only the Venu 4 can access the ECG app for electrocardiogram readings. Additionally, it's harder to access skin-temperature graphs on the Forerunner 570 compared to other watches, like the Venu 4.

Both watches have versatile connectivity tech inside, including Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, NFC, which enables device sync and features like Garmin Pay. There's more storage than before, as the Forerunner 570's onboard space has been upped to 8GB.

The software experience on the Garmin Venu 4 and the Forerunner 570 is quite similar, and it's improved compared to past Garmin — and especially Forerunner — models. The Forerunner 570 has more "smart" features, and it includes a microphone and speaker for the first time to facilitate connected phone calls. Additionally, the new software experience adds more Connect IQ data fields, for a total of four, to the Forerunner 570.

Both the Forerunner 570 and Venu 4 get the same new-look software experience, and it's for the better. It's intuitive, with a notification panel, workouts, and widgets only a swipe away. There are also Morning and Evening reports, which can now suggest daily workouts.

In terms of battery life, both Garmin watches are stellar by smartwatch standards, but are low relative to Garmin's bar. You get 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode for the Forerunner 570 and the Venu 4 — and that's for the small size. The larger sizes of the Venu 4 and Forerunner 570 can last up to 11 or 12 days, respectively. Even with daily workouts, both watches should last a few days on a single charge.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Forerunner 570: Fitness and health

Fitness and health features are the name of the game for Garmin smartwatches, so how do the Venu 4 and Forerunner 570 compete in this regard? As mentioned, the Garmin Venu 4 is better for advanced health metrics, with full support for heart-rate monitoring, blood-oxygen sensing, skin-temperature readings, and ECG recordings. The Forerunner 570 can handle some of those, but not all of them. Considering most mainstream smartwatches offer all those features these days, it's perplexing the Forerunner 570 doesn't.

The Forerunner 570's five onboard buttons make it easier to use for high-intensity interval training than the Venu 4. Both watches have the Garmin Run Coach, which can help you train for your next race with personalized workout plans. There are new sport types available on either watch, with over 80 total to choose from.

In terms of specialized run features, the Forerunner 570 offers AutoLap by Timing Gate detection, Projected Race Time predicting, and Suggested Finish Line estimates. For serious runners, these can be seriously cool — AutoLap can detect a race's course markers and automatically snap your GPS signal to them, ensuring accurate recording of a crowded race with wide routes.

Which should you buy?

For most fitness buffs, the Garmin Venu 4 is the better way to spend your $550. It has the same Garmin Elevate v5 sensor you'll find inside the Forerunner 570, but the Venu 4 adds ECG support. On top of that, there are perks like a built-in LED flashlight that make the Venu 4 more helpful on a daily basis. With a stainless steel bezel and a refined case designed, the Venu 4 doesn't look out of place when work as an everyday smartwatch.

Meanwhile, the Garmin Forerunner 570 is a specialized option for serious runners only. If you're the kind of runner that needs five tactical button for precise and quick mid-run controls, grab the Forerunner. The same goes for anyone that cares about the Forerunner 570's lightweight design and strap compared to the Venu's thick and heavy design.

I'd buy the Forerunner 570 in a heartbeat, because if I ever step foot in a gym, it's to get on a treadmill. Many weightlifters and strength trainers are the opposite — their workouts are done in gyms and on mats. For those buyers, or anyone that wants a full-size smartwatch that can pass with workwear or athleisure, the Venu 4 is the best option.

The Garmin Venu 4 hasn't been out for very long, but as Black Friday week continues, we're seeing more and more devices going on sale, and that includes the first significant deal for Garmin's new watch. A 9% Black Friday discount may not sound like a lot, but when Garmin watches are typically quite pricey, any discount can help.

The Garmin Venu 4 normally retails for $549, which is a $100 premium over its predecessor. Fortunately, this 9% discount brings that down to $499, which feels a bit more reasonable for a generational upgrade like this. This goes for both the 41mm and 45mm sizes, which are available in various color combinations. The leather band option is a bit pricier, but it still gets a price cut from $599 to as low as $537.

• Amazon's Black Friday week is LIVE: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You're a fitness enthusiast who wants a good all-around watch for tracking workouts and health metrics. Also if you own an older Garmin watch with the previous Elevate sensor and want more accurate readings, newer fitness features, or even a better UI.

❌Skip this deal if: You are a more serious runner or hiker who wants a watch with more physical buttons to rely less on the touch screen. Also you want longer battery life similar to the Instinct, Fenix, and even Forerunner series.

A great all-around fitness watch

I spent about a month reviewing the Garmin Venu 4, and as much as I enjoyed the Venu 3, the newer model has since become my default workout watch. It has tons of sports modes, meaning no matter what you're into, it's ready. Plus, despite a few blips here and there, the Elevate v5 sensor is quite accurate, which we've also noticed when testing other Garmin watches with the sensor.

If you lift weights like me, you'll enjoy the pretty accurate rep counter and automatic sets, which also time your rests in between. You can also input your weight into the watch after each set, meaning you can ditch the pen and paper.

If you're coming from an older Garmin watch, you may appreciate the newer UI. It's cleaner, faster, and makes more sense, so that anyone could pick it up and go.

You'll also appreciate features like Training Readiness, Health Status, and the sleep coach. All of these features, combined with Body Battery, are here to ensure that you're ready for whatever the day has in store.

You can set up a fitness plan in the Garmin app and follow it on the watch for easy guidance through your workout. And if you don't have a plan set up, the morning report will still surface daily workout recommendations to keep you moving. Post-workout details are also great, and the watch will even provide a visual representation of the muscles you worked out.

Oh, and while the Venu 4 may have less battery life than its predecessor, it makes up for it by including a new flashlight, which gets pretty bright and can come in handy during night runs!

Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday

The Garmin holiday sale has some fantastic early Black Friday deals, and if you've been waiting for a premium Fenix 8 or Forerunner 965, now's the time. But as someone who's tested most recent Garmin watches from the past few years, my first recommendation would be the Forerunner 265 for outdoor athletes or the Venu 3 for indoor athletes.

Right now, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is $299 ($150 off) at Best Buy, while the Garmin Venu 3 is $349 ($100 off).

For two years, the Venu 3 has been our #1 best Garmin watch recommendation, while the Forerunner 265 was our best running watch recommendation for nearly as long. They've since been supplanted by the $550 Venu 4 and Forerunner 570, both excellent options but priced outside the range of everyday athletes. As a runner, I'd much rather pay $250 less for a Forerunner 265.

✅Recommended if: You are at least a semi-serious runner who enjoys the sport but has hit a rut and needs help increasing your mileage or pace safely; you're not a fan of Garmin's old MIP displays; and you don't need traditional smarts beyond notifications.

❌Skip this deal if: You need extra Forerunner 965 perks like offline maps and another week of battery life; you'd prefer a more well-rounded, skinny option like the Venu 3; or you need a true smartwatch with proper app support.

My Forerunner 265 vs. Venu 3 guide breaks down how these two "classics with plenty left in the tank" compare. The Forerunner 265 is more specialized, focusing on training above everything else, while the Venu 3 slacks on workout recs but offers major upgrades for health data, style, and smarts.

✅Recommended if: You want to try out the Garmin ecosystem, but without the bulky, plastic- and button-heavy look of most Garmin watches; you want strong battery life and Garmin coaching, but you're equally interested in health and sleep guidance.

❌Skip this deal if: You look at the Garmin Venu 4 vs. 3 and decide that you need the newer model, which has the style of a Venu but the smarts of a Forerunner; or you'd rather save even more money and go for the Vivoactive 6, which is currently $100 less than the Venu 3 with similar software.

The Forerunner 265 and Venu 3 don't have cutting-edge tools you'd get on the newer models, but you don't necessarily need every new Garmin tool to improve as an athlete; they have the essentials, and I loved them when I reviewed them both. Just because I have fancier models now doesn't change the fact that they got me motivated to get faster and lose weight.

So if you're looking for a reasonably-priced Garmin watch deal that strikes a balance between affordability and usefulness, the Venu 3 or Forerunner 265 are where you should start.

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday

What you need to know

• The Garmin November 2025 update brings Health Status, a Venu 4 launch feature, to many more watches.
• Health Status signals potential signs of stress and illness in your body, based on trends in your health data.
• The update mostly focuses on Edge cycling computers, with new tools like real-time weather overlays and smart fueling alerts.
• Garmin Connect Plus subscribers will now see "3D topographic maps to see activity routes, courses and trails" in the Connect app.

Garmin's Q4 2025 update has fewer new smartwatch features than its last major update, but it brings the Venu 4's signature feature to multiple generations of watches, making it easier for Garmin users to parse their health data for useful insights.

The Venu 4 introduced Health Status, a widget that takes 3–4 weeks of your resting heart rate, HRV, Pulse Ox, respiration, and skin temperature data and creates a baseline range for your body. It then warns you whenever your stats fall out of that range, signalling that you may be ill, sleeping poorly, overtraining, or experiencing other lifestyle impacts.

The November 2025 update brings Health Status to dozens of watches, but only the most recent, advanced Garmin watches will show the Health Status widget on the watch itself; anyone with an older model can only check these stats in the mobile Connect app.

• Health Status on watch and in app: Garmin Fenix 8 (Pro), Enduro 3, Tactix 8, Quatix 8, D2 Mach 2 / Air X15, Venu X1, Vivoactive 6, Forerunner 570 / 970
• Health Status in app only: Venu 3, Vivoactive 5, Forerunner 255/ 955/ 165/ 265/ 965, Fenix 7 (Pro), Tactix 7, Quatix 7, Epix (Gen 2), Enduro 2, Instinct E/ 3

The first group, like the Venu 4, will show how your previous night's sleep data falls within your typical stats, with "outliers" highlighted. You'll need to be comfortable wearing your watch at night — or wear the Index Sleep Monitor — to receive these stats.

Garmin's November update page also claims these newer models, along with the Venu 4, will receive "enhanced notification control," but doesn't share details; I've asked a Garmin rep for more details and will update this post when I hear back.

Otherwise, this update ports new features from the Edge 850 and 550 cycling computers to the Edge MTB, 1050, 1040, 840, and 540.

You'll be able to see real-time weather and wind data overlaid over your GPS map location, how much time you spent in specific gears, ride power targets based on your real-time stamina and wind conditions, and how your stats compare against other cyclists via GroupRide. You'll also receive prompts to refuel or rehydrate based on the difficulty of your ride.

As for Garmin Connect Plus, the app will soon add 3D topographic maps as a subscription perk, both for past activities and upcoming GPX courses or Garmin Trails. "These maps can help users understand the terrain they are covering during an activity," Garmin explains.

Edge bike computers aside, this quarterly feature update is much lighter than the August 2025 update, which added key features like running tolerance, Garmin Triathlon Coach, daily suggested track workouts, Evening Reports, and several Edge cycling features like timing gates.

Still, that update completely bypassed older Garmin watch models, and Health Status has a much broader appeal than most of those fitness tricks. I only wish that the Venu 4's still-exclusive Garmin Fitness Coach had been released to a wider range of watches with this update.

Garmin's 2025 holiday sale is live, with the lowest prices ever on certain Fenix, Forerunner, Venu, and Instinct models. These deal prices may or may not last to Black Friday, but we can guarantee they won't fall any lower by November 28. So there's no reason to wait!

You'll find some major discounts like $250 off the Fenix 8 and $450 off the Epix Pro (Gen 2), if you want steel style and the newest features like a mic/ speaker, flashlight, and newer sensors. But many Garmin runners, cyclists, hikers, and triathletes won't need all the expensive bells and whistles, just strong battery life, a comfortable fit, and great training tools. And for that, the Garmin Forerunner 965 at $449 ($150 off) is the best deal you'll find.

When I gave the Forerunner 965 a 5-star review in 2023, I gushed about its 23-day battery life, paired with advanced training guidance that judged my stamina, ability to climb hills, training load focus, and overall endurance levels. It's significantly lighter and cheaper than my Fenix 8 but has most of the same training features and sports modes, minus a few niche tools for diving, surfing, and XC skiing.

✅Recommended if: You're looking for in-depth guidance and reliable data in a watch that you'll only need to charge every couple of weeks. Specifically, you're a self-guided runner who wants help improving your VO2 Max and hitting race PRs, and who cares more about their running watch feeling comfortable than looking "stylish."

❌Skip this deal if: You're willing to trade away a week of battery life and certain premium features, downgrading to the Forerunner 265 for $299 (also $150 off); or, you're willing to spend even more to get the newer fifth-generation health sensors, flashlight, mic/ speaker, and other perks available with a Forerunner 970 or Fenix 8.

My Forerunner 965 vs. 265 guide will break down the specific differences between the two, if you're feeling tempted to spend even less. When it comes to the best running watches, you'll find plenty of options that can help you hit a PR, even without a deal; buying the Forerunner 965 is about letting yourself splurge on a watch that'll last you for years of training and give you insights you won't find anywhere else.

I do love my new Forerunner 970, primarily for its twice-as-bright AMOLED display and new running tolerance metric that judges how many miles per week your body can handle. But since Garmin hasn't discounted it and isn't likely to do so until 2026, the Forerunner 965 is the best premium running watch that won't break the bank.

The other "premium" Garmin watch that's relatively affordable is the Epix Pro (Gen 2) 42mm at $449, with the modern perks and steel body that the 965 lacks. But its display is 1.2 inches instead of 1.4, it only hits 10 days of battery life instead of 23, and it's slightly more uncomfortable; the bigger models last longer, but they also cost more and weigh significantly more. And I think a lot of Garmin fans will prefer comfortable workouts to steel style.

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday (so far)
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday (so far)

After a couple of years of waiting, Garmin has finally launched the Venu 4, it's latest fitness watch that aims to appeal to the masses. The Venu 3 was the first Garmin watch I had ever used, and while it remained my primary fitness watch for some time, there were definitely things that I would've changed about it.

I've spent about a month with the Venu 4, and fortunately, it looks like Garmin addressed many of my concerns with its latest model, taking cues from its predecessor as well as more recent Garmin watches in the Vivoactive and Forerunner series. A new design, an updated UI, and some welcome hardware upgrades ensure that this should be a solid all-arounder that the Venu series is meant to be.

But is the Venu 4 worth the $100 premium over the Venu 3?

Garmin Venu 4: Price, availability, and what's in the box

The Garmin Venu 4 was launched on September 17, 2025, and went on sale starting September 22. The watch is available in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm, and each size comes in several different case and band color combinations:

Pricing starts at $549 for both sizes and most color/band combinations. However, if you prefer a leather band, the price increases to $599.

The Venu 4 retail box comes with the watch, a Garmin USB-C data/charging cable, and various documentation.

Garmin Venu 4: Specs

Garmin Venu 4: Design and display

• The Venu 4 features an updated design, but it's thicker and heavier than the Venu 3.
• The weight makes it difficult to wear to bed for tracking sleep.
• The 1.4-inch AMOLED display is bright and responsive.

The Venu 4's design is a slight departure from its predecessor. While it's still a round watch face, the chamfered edges on the bottom are largely gone, replaced by cleaner, flatter sides. This is likely due to the inclusion of the flashlight tucked into the top of the watch. There are also fewer, smaller buttons on one side of the watch, which makes it look less like a sports watch and gives it more mainstream appeal.

Owners of the Venu 3 will notice that the Venu 4 is noticeably thicker and heavier. I find that the weight is fairly manageable, but after a while, the heavy stainless steel case begins to feel somewhat uncomfortable, to the point where I have to take the watch off.

The side and weight are mostly a problem when wearing the watch in bed. I already don't care to wear smartwatches when I sleep, but the Venu 4 is particularly uncomfortable at night, and I find the weight quite noticeable.

The 45mm model I'm using has a rather sizeable 1.4-inch display with a 454 x 454 resolution. Text and menus are crisp, and the display gets plenty bright; I've never had a problem with visibility. The bezels around the display are fairly large, but not offensively so.

Of course, having only two buttons means you'll be using the touchscreen more often than you would with a Forerunner, but fortunately, the software experience is very smooth and responsive.

Garmin Venu 4: Software

• The Venu 4 adopts Garmin's latest software implementation, which makes navigation smoother and easier.
• Morning and Evening Report provides briefs into your day's activities, including suggested workouts.
• The built-in flashlight can come in handy and can be adjusted with different brightness levels, including a low red light.

While I enjoyed using the Venu 3 for tracking my workouts, I absolutely hated the software. The UI felt clunky and confusing, and navigation just didn't feel all that logical to me. Fortunately, the Venu 4 follows Garmin's recent launches with its new software implementation, which is a big improvement.

Like a smartphone, swiping down opens the notification panel, where you can respond to messages on your phone. The keyboard isn't the best, but it gets the job done if you don't have your phone nearby. You can also access your phone's assistant (i.e., Gemini) to accomplish the same thing with your voice, which is nice.

Swiping to the left allows you to quickly access your workouts, settings, and other features through a customizable menu. Of course, you can also assign press-and-hold functions to the Action and Back buttons on the side of the watch.

Swiping up reveals your Glances, which is Garmin's version of a widget. For anyone adamant about keeping up with fitness and health metrics, these will definitely come in handy.

Another feature borrowed from newer watches is the Morning and Evening Reports. The former provides a glimpse into how your day might unfold, complete with your sleep data, weather forecast, and even a daily suggested workout (which can also include scheduled workouts from training plans).

Meanwhile, the Evening Report summarizes your day with brief glances at your activities and metrics, such as your Body Battery, as well as any workout suggestions you may have for the next day.

In addition to your phone's AI assistant, the Venu 4 features its own voice assistant, allowing you to quickly access on-device functions such as workouts, timers, weather, and more. It's okay, but I find that it only understands me half the time and will sometimes pull up the wrong feature.

The Venu 4 can also read the watch face aloud, which is a useful accessibility feature that can come in handy when you can't immediately look at your watch for whatever reason (like when you're swimming, for example).

And while you can make calls or send texts using the built-in mic and speaker, the volume doesn't get very loud. While you can listen to music on the Venu 4, it's recommended to use Bluetooth earbuds if possible. The Venu 4 supports a few music apps like Spotify, but YouTube Music support appears to be missing for some reason.

Overall, Garmin's software feels much more user-friendly, which is great for a watch like the Venu 4, as it's designed to appeal to a broader audience, not just fitness enthusiasts.

One of the newest hardware additions is the built-in flashlight, which puts the Venu 4 in line with other high-end watches, such as the Venu X1. You can set an easy shortcut to enable it, and it's surprisingly bright, although you can adjust the brightness by several levels or switch to a red light. You can also turn on a strobe function, which could come in handy when on evening runs.

Garmin Venu 4: Health and fitness

• The Venu 4 uses the same Elevate sensor as the Venu 3 and other recent Garmin watches.
• New features include more comprehensive sleep coaching, lifestyle logging, and Health Status.
• Fitness tracking has proven reliable, albeit with a hiccup or two with the heart rate sensor.

The Venu 4 features all the health tracking features you'd expect from a smartwatch, especially at this price point. It features the same Elevate v5 sensor used in the Venu 3 and newer watches like the Forerunner 570, although unlike the latter, the Venu 4 supports ECG, which could be a deciding factor for some.

There are a handful of new health-focused features, including a more comprehensive sleep coach that provides a wealth of insights, such as your sleep alignment and sleep needs, as well as the factors that may be affecting your sleep. It will use this data to then provide a recommendation for how much sleep you should get each night to fully recover.

There's a new lifestyle logging feature that lets you manually enter various activities throughout the day, such as consuming caffeine, eating meals, or using your phone before bed. The idea is that Garmin will use this data to factor in how these activities may affect you throughout the day.

It sounds useful in theory, but I can never remember to log the data into the watch. The most you can do is set the Glance widget in the hopes that it will serve as a sufficient reminder to log activities, but I would prefer it if Garmin somehow sent me reminders throughout the day.

To put all of this together, Garmin has a new Health Status feature. It displays important metrics, such as heart rate, HRV, skin temperature, and Pulse Ox, all on one screen, and informs you if you're within your optimal range for each.

As for fitness, I've used the Venu 4 to track my workouts over several weeks, and you can refer to my Venu 4 fitness review for more details on how the watch performs. Long story short, it works as well as one would expect, albeit with a few odd heart rate readings here and there. Otherwise, it's a reliable fitness tracker with numerous sports modes to choose from.

Users will also be pleased with the dual-band GPS as well as the pre- and post-workout features like training status and training readiness, which gives you a look at how hard you've been working and how hard you should work.

Garmin Venu 4: Battery life

• The Garmin Venu 4 gets up to 12 days of battery life or five days with AOD on.
• The Venu 4 features Garmin's proprietary charger and takes up to two hours to charge.

Garmin claims the Venu 4 can last up to 12 days in regular smartwatch mode. This feels roughly in line with my experience, although I averaged about eight days in between charges. This includes one or two tracked workouts per week and sleep tracking each night. I also use the tilt-to-take function for the display as opposed to AOD.

Garmin uses the same charger as before, although it can take up to two hours to fully charge the watch. Fortunately, battery life is good enough that you don't have to worry about this too much.

Garmin Venu 4: Competition

On the fitness watch side of things, the new COROS Apex 4 is probably one of the Venu 4's closest competitors. The watch undercuts the Venu 4 by roughly $100 but is packed with impressive features like a 1.3-inch AMOLED touch display with sapphire glass, 41 hours of dual-band GPS, and a 24-day battery life overall. That said, you won't get the same perks as those found on Garmin, such as a flashlight, daily workout suggestions, better music apps, contactless payments, and arguably a better display.

On the smartwatch side, consider the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. This is roughly the same as the original Galaxy Watch Ultra, just with additional storage. However, it features a more rugged design, offers excellent battery life, and comes with Wear OS for access to a wide range of apps and seamless connectivity to your smartphone. However, battery life still falls short compared to the Venu 4, and Garmin's focus on fitness first over smarts may be what you're looking for, especially if you can get it for $100 less than the Galaxy Watch.

Finally, the Forerunner 570 may be another Garmin watch you're considering. These two watches are very similar in terms of feature set and price. The Forerunner is more focused on runners, complete with more buttons for easy navigation. Meanwhile, the Venu 4 is a more all-rounder for any fitness

Garmin Venu 4: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if...

• You're a fitness enthusiast, such as a runner, weightlifter, or even someone wanting to start their fitness journey.
• You want a stylish fitness watch with long battery life and a bright display.
• You want a Garmin watch but don't want to spend Forerunner 970 amounts of money.

You shouldn't buy this if...

• You like to use your smartwatch to track your sleep.
• You want a smartwatch that syncs well with your smartphone.
• You're beginning your fitness journey and want an affordable fitness watch to start.

While the Venu 4 doesn't appear significantly different from its predecessor at first glance, that doesn't make it any less of a solid fitness smartwatch. The Elevate sensor remains (mostly) reliable, and the new software makes the experience a lot better and accessible for people like me who aren't exactly Garmin aficionados.

Yes, battery life takes a hit, but the tradeoff is new hardware features like a built-in flashlight, something runners may appreciate. It's also a rather heavy watch, but if you can get past that, sleep tracking features are great, and many of the new features make the Venu 4 feel like a much more comprehensive health and fitness companion than its predecessor.

A Forerunner may be better suited for runners, but the Venu 4 feels like the everyman's watch. It's perfect for people like me who are focused on weightlifting and/or are casual to intermediate gym-goers willing to spend a little more to track their progress. That is, if you can manage the price.

FAQ

As someone who regularly wears ultra-expensive Garmin watches like the $1,200 Fenix 8 and $800 Venu X1, I have a skewed perspective on how much to spend on one. Most everyday athletes don't want to spend more than a few hundred on a fitness watch, which prices most Garmins outside of their range.

One exciting exception is the 2025 Garmin Vivoactive 6, which our reviewer called "the perfect entryway into the world of Garmin watches," especially for anyone who wants indoor strength coaching paired with accurate health data. And thanks to an early Black Friday deal, the Garmin Vivoactive 6 is $249 ($50 off) on Best Buy, matching its old all-time low earlier this year.

✅Recommended if: You want Garmin coaching and training insights but at a more reasonable entry fee than most $500+ Garmin watches; you prefer a smaller display and comfort to a bulkier, button-heavy Garmin; and you don't care about traditional smartwatch apps beyond the basics.

❌Skip this deal if: You can afford a $550 Venu 4 to get perks like an altimeter, ECG, mic & speaker, dual-band GPS, and training load, and want a more comprehensive workout experience; or you'd like to spend even less on a Vivoactive 5 or Forerunner 165.

Thanks to Garmin's holiday sale, the Vivoactive 6's predecessor, the Vivoactive 5, is also $50 off at $199, and the two watches are remarkably similar in battery life, size, and health sensors. The main difference is that the Vivoactive 6 gives you the Garmin Coaching plans, walking suggestions, a gyroscope for more accurate wrist tracking for indoor workouts, double the space for music storage, training effect data, and a dozen or so new sports modes.

So ask yourself: Do you want a watch that'll give you guidance on how to improve and how effective your workouts are, or are you self-guided (or professionally coached) and simply want to log your efforts? The Vivoactive 6 is best if you want more insights and advice, while the Vivoactive 5 is better for the essentials at an even cheaper price.

Otherwise, you'll find plenty of great Garmin watch deals in the lead up to Black Friday, including on several of my personal favorites! If you're willing to spend $100 more, the Venu 3 is $100 off, and it gives you a wider array of smart features and training tools that any athlete will appreciate.

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
• Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals
• Black Friday Google Pixel deals
• Black Friday Motorola deals

"Would you buy a Garmin watch with a crown?" That's the question long-time Garmin fans may have to answer soon, based on a report suggesting that "ongoing Garmin hardware work" is in progress toward a rotating crown with a magnetic sensor.

Gadgets & Wearables shared this news, explaining that the Hall effect sensor wouldn't rely on mechanical parts or a physical connection, making it easier for Garmin to preserve its watches' water resistance. For context, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic uses a Hall sensor for its rotating crown.

Garmin's main fitness and smartwatch rivals have used crowns for years, which made Garmin's button-heavy designs a point of pride and comfort for its fans. They're slower to press but more dependable than sweaty touchscreen swipes, without the finicky accidental turns you get when a crown bumps into something; they're also more accessible for left-handed athletes.

The alleged design would sport two left-side buttons and a single right-side crown. Assuming the above mockup is accurate, it would be similar to a Pixel Watch 4's or Suunto Race 2's centered crown, rather than the top-right placement you get on a COROS or Apple Watch.

There are dozens of Garmin watch subbrands, and even if this report is accurate, there's no guarantee Garmin will ditch Up/ Down buttons on its Fenix, Forerunner, or Instinct watches. Garmin may only use them on its "mainstream" lineups, aka updating the two-button Venu 4 or Vivoactive 6 with crowns.

On the other hand, we've seen how AMOLED displays started with the Venu series and then took over most Garmin watches over the past few years, despite the outcry from MIP display fans who took pride in Garmin's use of this less-popular tech.

The MIP vs. AMOLED debate had passionate athletes on both sides, whereas I'm not certain how many Garmin watch fans have been clamoring for a crown. If this report proves accurate, we may see our first Garmin watch with a crown relatively soon; the reaction will depend on which lineup gets the crown.

The main thing a Garmin watch with a crown would need

Putting a crown on a Garmin watch would have some upsides. When it comes to map navigation, I prefer COROS watches because zooming in and out is significantly easier with a crown than with buttons. The COROS NOMAD and APEX 4 are excellent hiking companions, whether I'm following a route or just checking what trails are nearby.

Of course, only premium Garmin models like the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 970 even have maps, and hardcore Garmin/ button fans are the most likely to buy these. If the Garmin Fenix 9 introduces the crown next year, that could be a big risk, considering Garmin's stock took a big hit because, among other things, Fenix 8 Pro sales were lower than anticipated.

Let's assume Garmin does give its flagship watches a crown. I think it would only work if Garmin accompanied it with a significant processor or memory boost. Garmin watches, packed with features while optimized for long battery life, have felt a bit laggy this generation, especially when scrolling through maps, and speedier crown scrolling would expose this.

Ideally, Garmin would take this opportunity to boost performance a bit, while maintaining the same battery life that Garmin fans expect.

Why Garmin might go down this route

As a runner in a warm-climate area, I don't have the same issues with a crown as other athletes will. Turning a crown is harder with gloves in cold-weather regions, and if it juts out too far, it can interfere with certain bodyweight or gym exercises. Even if buttons are more deliberate to press, they're a safer choice, one Garmin has relied on for a decade.

So why would Garmin ignore your likely ambivalence to a crown? Because Garmin already has your business. It needs to satisfy shareholders by continuing to grow its audience, stealing them away from Apple and Samsung. And quite simply, those users might be more comfortable with a crown than buttons. It's the same reason AMOLED displays have become the norm.

We shouldn't get too riled up by a single unconfirmed report, and Garmin watches may stick to five-button layouts for years to come. But the report is plausible, and it wouldn't shock me if we see our first Garmin crown in 2026.

Next weekend, I'll be running the Garmin Tucson Marathon. It's not my first marathon, but it feels like the first one I've properly trained for; I've more than doubled my monthly mileage with several 15- to 20-mile runs and hit a half-marathon PR.

It's been a useful opportunity to test recent watches like the COROS APEX 4, Pixel Watch 4, and Suunto Race 2. However, I continued to wear my Garmin watch on my other wrist, not just as a control group for testing, but also because I relied on its metrics to stay on task during marathon training.

I'm no authority on running techniques or marathon training strategy; I'd be happy just to break the 4-hour barrier. However, I am familiar with fitness watches and accessories, and I can share which features (whether Garmin or otherwise) were the most useful for marathon prep as a dedicated amateur.

While following AI run recommendations is useful to a point, it was only by straying from Garmin's recommended path that I've achieved my marathon potential.

Keeping things simple: Mileage matters most

I took Hal Higdon's Novice 1 and Novice 2 plans and built my own custom workout calendar (screenshotted above) in Google Sheets. I aimed to finish the Novice 2 distances but gave myself the easier Novice 1 option as an off-ramp whenever I was exhausted or worried about muscle soreness.

The main thing Higdon stressed is not to overly complicate your training plan.

Novice or intermediate marathoners should "save their speedwork" for when they're "not doing a marathon mileage buildup," nor should you do strength training unless you're already a "gym rat," and even then, you should "cut back on the weights."

Many smartwatch marathon training plans emphasize speed work, strength training, and cross-training. And for serious marathoners with the capacity to train six to seven days a week, that makes sense! For novices like you and me, we need to use our limited bandwidth to run whenever we can. Everything else is a distraction.

Hidgon recommended cross-training once a week, particularly cycling or swimming. But I kept it simple and walked. It can be hard to stay motivated for 14–18 weeks if you're spending every Saturday running for 2–3 hours and then recovering, only to do another long workout on Sunday. I found it easier to focus on hitting my 10,000 steps while listening to an audiobook or podcast, prioritizing easy, active recovery so I could get back to running soon.

Slowly build up your body's running tolerance — and skip the sprints

Before my marathon plan, I used my Garmin Forerunner 970 (and other Garmin watches before it) to balance my training load between low- and high-aerobic and anaerobic training, aiming to increase my VO2 Max. But since October, I've ignored Garmin's algorithm every time it prods me to do more tempo or sprint workouts.

Doing enough anaerobic training to satisfy Garmin's formula has a significant biomechanical impact load on my body. My weekly mileage was low because going all-out for 3 miles would put pressure on my muscles and joints, and I'd need days to recover.

I abandoned my weekly track workouts, and it became far easier to work multiple short runs into my week and build up my mileage. I'll start worrying about VO2 Max again once I've finished this race.

At the start of my marathon training, Garmin's running tolerance metric said my body could safely handle 20 miles/week. Higdon's marathon plan starts at about 15–20 miles per week, but gradually builds up to 25–40 miles per week.

Because I stuck to his system, slowly increasing my mileage and maintaining an easy pace, I've increased my Garmin tolerance to 30 miles/week and have safely hit 35 miles in some weeks. I'm confident I'll be able to finish my marathon without injuring myself because I focused on mileage over speed.

Low-aerobic training DOES matter

I didn't ignore Garmin's suggestions completely, though. My training load focus widget reminds me to get as much low-aerobic load as possible. Low aerobic HR training builds your body's endurance, so that your aerobic threshold — the steady-state HR where you can maintain a consistent pace for hours — stays low.

Basically, by following Garmin's low-aerobic demands, I'm hoping I can maintain a strong target pace during the race while keeping my heart rate steady, so I don't build up too much lactic acid in my muscles.

It's never fun having to slow down to a crawl, staring at your wrist until your HR falls back into the right zone; it drags out the workout when you'd rather be running freely. But it pays off in the long run.

The fitness tech I'll use during the Garmin marathon

It feels thematically appropriate to use a Garmin watch during the Garmin marathon, but that's not the reason I'll wear one. The Forerunner 970 offers hyper-accurate dual-band GPS and dependable battery life, though I may end up wearing the Venu X1, simply because it's so absurdly light that it'll feel more comfortable for a four-hour run.

Either way, I'm getting accurate data and useful data fields to help me adjust my pace mid-run. I'm excited about the new Auto Lap feature, which displays your mile pace at the course's official mile markers instead of your watch's GPS points, providing more relevant data.

Whichever I pick, I plan to sync my COROS Heart Rate Monitor to it. I want to keep a close eye on my heart rate during the race so that I can stay out of my lactate threshold as long as possible to avoid burning out. But optical wrist-based sensors are slower to detect and warn you of rapid HR changes.

An external HRM, like the COROS armband, is more responsive. A chest strap would be better for data, but while I've worn one for 18- and 20-mile runs for testing, I hated the constricting feeling that made me feel self-conscious while breathing hard. I can forget I'm wearing COROS' armband once I'm in the zone, which is more important.

I haven't decided yet whether I'm wearing my Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses or my Shokz OpenFit 2 Plus earbuds for my marathon playlist. Both provide open-ear audio, allowing me to stay aware of other runners. However, Shokz's option offers richer Dolby Atmos audio, has less audio spill, and weighs significantly less.

What makes the Vanguards tempting is the ability to document my marathon with photos and videos throughout the race, serving as visual post-it notes to remember what the race was like years later.

There's also Meta-Garmin integration, so I can ask the glasses about my marathon stats at any time, without looking down at my wrist, and use the Status LED to warn me if my heart rate is getting too high. These are more gimmicky tools, but could still be useful.

Whichever I choose, I hope my workout playlist will keep me motivated to beat my marathon PR!

Garmin watches have a well-earned reputation for longevity. So when you see how expensive new Garmin watches are getting, a years-old Garmin at a steep discount will look mighty tempting. Since Garmin likes to clear out old stock during Black Friday, it's worth deciding now whether a last-gen Garmin watch is right for you, or if newer is better.

I've covered Garmin watch deals for years, and I always have to weigh whether I should recommend deals on models like the Forerunner 55 or 745 that are years out of date and have noticeable flaws, but let you buy into the Garmin ecosystem for $150 instead of $500.

Then you have Garmin's old flagships. Right now, you can get a Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar for $599 ($300 off) or 7X Pro Sapphire Solar for $659 ($340 off). You're spending half as much as a $1,300 Fenix 8 Pro, with flagship-level specs and battery life. But if you're planning to make your watch last for years, can you live without the quality-of-life improvements Garmin has introduced recently?

Garmin's most recent generation has focused on what I'd call "mainstream" upgrades. The Fenix 8 added an AMOLED display, ECG and skin temperature data, and a mic & speaker for calls and commands. Those same features trickled down to cheaper Garmin models, along with the flashlight. Eventually, I'd bet that the Fenix 8 Pro's LTE-M and satellite tools will come to more watches, too.

The question becomes, do you need these? I don't use many of these new features especially often, but I strongly prefer AMOLED to MIP and would have trouble going back. For anyone tempted by smartwatches, you might prefer a much cheaper Vivoactive or Venu to a bulky Fenix 7X that hasn't modernized.

For people who use their old Garmin watch for basic workout tracking and glancing at notifications, though, splurging on a last-gen Fenix deal is smarter, because you're only paying for the fitness perks you'll care about, not the bells and whistles.

Don't let software FOMO make you pay extra

We also have to discuss Garmin's software gatekeeping. Even if Garmin watch hardware has a reputation for lasting years, they do so as closed-circuit artifacts of their time. At a certain point, Garmin locks off the OS and refuses to add any new features that might disrupt the delicate equilibrium.

Unfortunately, that tends to happen within 1–2 years, even for Garmin's Fenix flagships. There was plenty of controversy when Garmin stopped giving the Fenix 7 series new features after the Fenix 8 launch; now, anyone buying the Fenix 7X today won't get running economy, evening reports, Strength or Triathlon Coaching, a rucking mode, or other new features that've impressed me over the last year.

But that can't be helped! Garmin's strategy is to weaponize FOMO so that you feel tempted to buy the newest model. Then you feel entitled to cutting-edge features, and when they run out, you upgrade again. I guarantee Fenix 8 owners will be complaining about this in 2026, after the Fenix 9 launches.

Maybe buying an older model that's already cut off from feature updates is a good way to make sure you don't pay attention to shiny new Garmin toys, and remain happy with what you have for longer.

Buying last-gen is fine; focus more on what you need

Today's best Garmin watches are more expensive than ever. Mid-range models like the $550 Venu 4 and Forerunner 570 are impressive, but why buy either of them when you can get an Epix Pro (Gen 2) for $499 ($250 off)? It's a question of whether last year's best features (like offline maps) or 2025's newest upgrades (like doubled AMOLED brightness) are more important to you.

It's an entirely different discussion if you're looking at lower-end Garmin watches. The Venu Sq 2 is frequently one of the cheapest models available during deal events, but it's quite limited in several ways. I'd much rather spend slightly more on a new cheap Garmin like the Vivoactive 6 (currently $50 off on Best Buy) than buy a model that will feel obsolete out of the box.

Otherwise, if you're really tempted by some of the best new Garmin watches, you'll have to be patient. Based on Garmin's typical deals timeline, we probably won't see a Fenix 8 or Forerunner 970 for $300 off until 2027 or 2028.

Time for your next premium smartwatch deal? If you're looking to save on an otherwise-pricey fitness smartwatch, Walmart has chopped $380 off for the Garmin Epix Pro, which normally retails at $1,000. At just $619, this second-gen version of the advanced training smartwatch looks pretty appealing, especially for those fitness enthusiasts who need hyper-accurate GNSS tracking, sports modes, and a wide range of health monitoring sensors.

The Epix Pro features a durable build and a steel bezel, a 1.4-inch always-on AMOLED display, and about as much advanced training data as one could expect in a $1,000 smartwatch. From HRV status and Pulse Ox to morning reports, sleep tracking, and training readiness ratings, this watch includes tons of options for high-performance fitness and health monitoring purposes. Plus, it comes with a built-in LED flashlight, topographical map information, and sports and activity profiles for a wide range of sports such as soccer, baseball, football, volleyball and more.

To be sure, it stands up to many of the best GPS smartwatches and fitness trackers on the market, and while the price point is normally a deterrent, it starts to seem highly competitive at just $619.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for an advanced Garmin smartwatch that can be used for high-performance training and a variety of sports profiles; you need a smartwatch with health, sleep, and exercise monitoring options; you need something with GNSS satellite tracking for optimal accuracy and coverage, along with topographical maps for route planning.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a smartwatch or fitness band that also includes solar charging capabilities; the price point is still higher than you'd prefer, even with the extra deal savings; you prefer a less bulky smartwatch or a thin-bezeled fitness watch style.

The second-gen Garmin Epix Pro is a solid premium-level smartwatch that's suitable for just about everything from high-performance sports and fitness training, to basic health and sleep monitoring features. Garmin says the watch will get up to 31 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, while the strobe mode and built-in flashlight make it more suitable than some for training at night.

Beyond that, the watch also includes a new set of hill score features, pre-loaded topographical maps for planning out your training and routes, and a wide range of sports modes, training data, endurance and morning readiness scores, and much more.

At this discounted price point, the Epix Pro punches well above its weight, making it well worth checking out while it's dropped beneath the normal sticker price.

Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line

What you need to know

• Meta is bringing Garmin, Strava, and Health Connect integrations to older pairs of its smart glasses.
• Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, and Oakley Meta HSTN are all getting the boost, including the Autocapture with Garmin feature.
• The update appears to be rolling out as a server-side change, and some Meta AI accounts aren't seeing the features yet.

Meta smart glasses began targeting the athlete and fitness crowd with Oakley Meta HSTN, but the latest Oakley Meta Vanguard shades are the full realization of that effort. The sunglasses have a sporty design and workout-inspired features, including better water-resistance and longer battery life. One of Vanguard's best features is software integration with Garmin, Strava, and Health Connect, and it's now rolling out other Meta smart glasses.

The company quietly added "Autocapture with Garmin" to the list of camera features supported by Meta HSTN and both generations of Ray-Ban Meta on its website. Users started seeing Garmin, Strava, and Health Connect integration available in the Meta AI app earlier this month, according to Reddit posts on the OakleyMetaGlasses and RayBanMeta subs.

Autocapture and other health integrations appear to be rolling out as a server-side change. The features aren't listed in the release notes for version 19.2 of Meta glasses software. Android Central spotted Garmin and Strava integrations using version 244.0.0.30.167 of the Meta AI app for Android, and version 19.2 on Oakley Meta HSTN.

However, we had to create a new Meta AI account to see the Garmin and Strava app connection options. If you aren't seeing the features and your app and glasses are both up to date, consider trying a new account. This is another sign that Meta may be rolling out these integrations for older glasses gradually on a server-side basis.

When Garmin integration is available on your pair of Oakley Meta HSTN, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1, or Ray Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses, you can connect them to a supported watch or cycling computer. To do so, you'll need to install the Meta AI app from the Connect IQ store onto your Garmin device. The Meta AI app will walk you through the process of adding a Meta data field to your favorite workouts on a Garmin watch.

From there, Oakley Meta and Ray-Ban Meta users can start using Autocapture to record key moments during their workouts. The integration also lets your Meta glasses answer questions about your time, distance, pace, and other metrics in real time — based on Garmin data. Keep in mind you'll need to have your phone, Garmin device, and Meta glasses all with you to use these features.

Not an Oakley Meta Vanguard exclusive

Meta touted Garmin and Strava integrations as critical Oakley Meta Vanguard features, but luckily they're also arriving on (almost) all of the brand's smart glasses. The only exception are the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, which don't support Autocapture with Garmin at the moment. Those glasses are heavier, making them less suited for workout use anyway.

It's especially nice to see features like 60FPS video recording and workout app connections make their way to older glasses, namely Oakley Meta HSTN and Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1. That way, buyers don't need to purchase Vanguard just for the Garmin integration.

If you want to see these features in action, check out Android Central's resident wearables expert Michael Hicks' in-depth test of Garmin integration on Vanguard.

The new Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses integrate with your Garmin watch to display live stats, automatically record clips to share later, and assess your workout's effectiveness. The question is, should a Garmin watch owner spend $500 on Meta AI glasses? Or are they not the right fit?

During my Vanguard glasses hands-on, I introduced the Garmin-Meta integration and why these smart glasses have become a regular companion for my workouts. But I acknowledged that some Garmin tools are more useful than others, and that some athletes will be uncomfortable sharing workout data with Meta.

Here, I'll go more in-depth on the Garmin features available on Oakley Meta Vanguard (and the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) glasses once they receive the update). Here's how it works in practice, which features work best, and whether Garmin fans should care.

Compatible Garmin devices

• D2 Mach 1 (Pro)
• Edge 540 / 550 / 840 / 850 / 1040 / 1050 / MTB
• Enduro 2 / 3
• EPIX Pro / Gen 2
• Fenix 7 / 7S / 7X (Pro) / 8 (Pro) / E
• Forerunner 165 / 265 / 570 / 965 / 970
• MARQ Gen 2
• Quatix 7 (Pro) / 8
• Tactix 7 (Pro) / 8
• Venu 3 / 4 / X1
• Vivoactive 5 / 6

Most new Garmin watches work, but not older models. The Instinct 3, which has slower performance to improve battery life, is also excluded. I'd guess newer watches' faster processors make it easier to share workout data promptly.

Real-time Garmin stats

The most notable Garmin tool on Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses is real-time stats. Once you start a workout, you can say, "Hey Meta, what's my current running power?" or "What's my average heart rate?" and Meta will pull that data from your watch or bike computer — though your phone needs to be there as an intermediary.

I appreciate that I can ask Meta AI for stats Garmin tracks that I never added to my activity data screens.

More generally, some athletes need to keep their eyes forward for safety (cyclists) or can't easily check their wrist during exercise (weightlifters), while others want to use their watch's display for maps (hikers, trail runners). Having audio access to core Garmin stats without breaking stride is a nice perk.

To make this feature even better, Meta AI should listen for special keywords when it detects an active Garmin activity. Saying "Hey Meta, what's my X" every time is annoying when you're breathing hard; simply saying "Heart rate," "Pace," or other commonly requested stats would be more seamless.

Another downside is that Meta AI can't describe every real-time stat, even if it understands what I'm asking. I asked for stride length and got my cadence; instead of speed, it said my pace. Some more obscure stats, like real-time stamina or total calories, stumped the AI.

Despite these nitpicks — which I think Meta and Garmin will address over time — real-time stats are one of the Oakley Meta Vanguard's best features for Garmin users obsessed with data.

I'm sure some of you would prefer sporty Meta HUD glasses like the ENGO 2s to see your real-time stats without having to ask. But the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are just too heavy and offer minimal sweat protection (IPX4) to work. Lightweight Meta HUD glasses are still years away.

Autocapture

Meta uses your live workout data to detect "smart triggers" like mile markers or hitting a high HR zone for the first time. The Vanguards capture a five-second video clip after each trigger; once you've finished your workout, Meta takes these clips and any other photos and videos you captured manually, then organizes them into a shareable montage video, with a Garmin widget showing your live stats at each point.

You can edit which clips or stats (distance, pace, ascent, time, HR, or power) appear in the video, as well as whether to include the original audio, which tends to be heavy breathing and audio spill, in my case.

For an exciting marathon or trail run with gorgeous scenery, Autocapture summarizes your experience in a fun way, whether for social media or your own memories. But I have a few fundamental issues.

First, the "smart triggers" only stumble into a few compelling shots by accident. It's mostly stitched-together footage of random moments of my runs, none especially noteworthy unless I took them myself.

Collected together, the footage is interesting, but Meta dumps each five-second clip into your Photos app after the workout, cluttering up your storage. I'd prefer that Meta delete any auto-shot clips after you've edited the compilation.

Most importantly, it's incredibly awkward to have your glasses start auto-recording when someone is walking toward you on a public path. The last thing I want is for people to assume I'm intentionally recording them, but I can't stop triggers from... triggering; I can only look away awkwardly.

Overall, I think the feature is quite cool in a vacuum, but I won't use Autocapture outside of public race events where people expect to be recorded, or empty trails.

Status LED

Start a workout with a target HR, pace, or power zone, and Meta's inward-facing LED — usually indicating Meta AI or video recording is active — will light up red whenever you're out of zone.

It's elegantly simple. Since Garmin's out-of-zone and back-in-zone vibrations feel the same, you have to look at your watch every time, which can be distracting. The red LED in your periphery removes any uncertainty, letting you keep your gaze forward while adjusting your pace.

Eventually, I think it'd be cool if Meta showed red or blue LEDs to indicate above- or below-zone warnings, respectively.

Activity Summaries

This is arguably the most odd Garmin-Meta integration. Whether you're running with Meta glasses or not, the Meta AI app will summarize every workout you finish within the context of your last 30 days of workouts, focused on specific stats like pace, cadence, and distance.

Meta AI will intelligently recommend recovery days after hard runs or suggest "incorporating interval training or speed work" if Meta thinks you're taking things too easy. Its comparisons to past runs are similar to what you'd see from Strava's Athlete Intelligence, only without a subscription.

I've found that these summaries tend to be dismissive of shorter, low-aerobic runs, saying "no significant trend was detected," and Meta AI only seems to interpret a few workout types, having no opinion on my recent hike. So there's certainly room to grow.

These summaries are best suited to newer athletes who can't analyze their workout trends and don't want to pay for Garmin Connect Plus.

Oakley Meta Vanguard will appeal to some Garmin users, but not all

The Garmin-Meta software integration is a work-in-progress, but very promising, and I'd love it if Meta partnered with other fitness watch brands eventually. For now, Garmin watch owners have the best perks, but they'll need to decide based on software and hardware.

I think the Vanguard's Oakley Sphaera aesthetic looks great, the weight is a bit heavy but manageable, and the Prizm lenses offer excellent eye protection. The speakers are impressively loud — to the point that they cause audio bleed — and the cameras take immersive, high-res photos and smooth, auto-stabilized video. Plus, the battery life is good enough to survive a marathon, in my testing.

If you don't want to give up your current workout earbuds and sunglasses, pay $500 atop an already expensive Garmin watch, or share your workout data with Meta, then Vanguard won't be the right fit. Personally, I love using these, but mostly for special runs or hikes where I'll want to save my memories of the event or share them with family.

FAQ

What you need to know

• Strava's patent infringement case against Garmin appears to be coming to a quick conclusion as it filed for dismissal this week.
• Strava publicly called out Garmin for its API guidelines on social media in addition to filing the lawsuit, which concerned heat map and live segment patents.
• The company filed for dismissal just 21 days after submitting its initial lawsuit last month.

Strava's public and legal dispute with Garmin took a surprising turn this week as the company moved to dismiss its lawsuit just 21 days after the initial filing. The patent infringement case was first filed by Strava against Garmin on Sept. 30 in the U.S. District Court for Colorado. As of Oct. 21, Strava submitted a court filing to dismiss the suit entirely.

As spotted by DC Rainmaker, the filing signals Strava is abandoning its patent infringement case against Garmin, which centered around heat maps and live segments. At the time, Strava requested a permanent injunction on the sale of Garmin watches and bike computers that it claimed used its patented technology.

The case never materialized further as Strava pulled the lawsuit before the two companies had the chance to state their positions before a judge. “Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(a)(1)(A)(i), Plaintiff Strava, Inc., by and through its undersigned counsel, voluntarily dismisses the above-captioned action, without prejudice," the succinct court filing states.

Garmin and Strava appeared to have a close relationship before the lawsuit, with Garmin data being a key part of Strava's platform. It's unclear how the two companies will interact going forward, or what may have transpired behind the scenes. Either way, it looks like Strava's aggressive move against Garmin is coming to a quick end.

How Strava and Garmin got here

Strava's dispute with Garmin not only transpired via court filings, but also in public. Matt Salazar, the chief product officer at Strava, made a Reddit post titled "Setting the record straight about Garmin" shortly after Strava's lawsuit was first filed. The post criticized Garmin's developer guidelines for API partners, which as of July 1 required the Garmin logo to appear on content including its data.

"Unfortunately we could not justify to our users complying with the new guidelines," Salazar wrote. "As such, we have tried to resolve this situation with Garmin over the course of the past five months, including proposing additional attribution across the platform in a less intrusive way, but to no avail."

Setting the record straight about Garmin from r/Strava

In the post's replies, many Strava users criticizing the move, stating that they likely wouldn't pay for or use the platform without Garmin data and integrations. Others called out Strava's comments as being hypocritical, as it has a similar API policy that stops other apps from displaying Strava data or using it for AI features.

The short legal battle came as Strava is prepping an initial public offering (IPO), possibly as soon as next year. The dispute put Strava front-and-center in wearable news for a few weeks, but it's unclear whether the dropped litigation attempt could help or hurt its eventual IPO.

In a completely separate case, fitness watch brand Suunto also sued Garmin for patent infringement this month. Strava's dismissal has no effect on the Suunto/Garmin lawsuit as a result, and it's safe to assume that case is still ongoing until we hear otherwise.

It's been two years since the Venu 3 was launched, and the Venu 4 is following up with a new look and some new features. However, Garmin kept the Elevate sensor mostly the same, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. As we've seen with the Venu X1, this sensor manages to be quite accurate.

I've been using the Garmin Venu 4 for a couple of weeks as my main workout wearable. I've compared it to the Garmin Venu 3 to see how things have changed (if at all), and against the Pixel Watch 3 to see how it stacks up against my favorite smartwatch.

Fitness features I love

Unlike the Forerunner series, the Garmin Venu 4 is more of an all-rounder, meaning there's an overall focus on fitness, not just running. Therefore, Garmin has stuffed a bunch of fitness features into the watch, building on top of previous models while making it ideal for anyone to strap one on and just go.

There are plenty of useful and new training features to help you get the most out of your workouts, but the one I pay most attention to is Training Readiness. This takes into account various factors, including sleep, recovery time, and acute load, to determine how hard you should push yourself in upcoming workouts. In theory, this is a good way to avoid overexerting yourself, which can negatively affect your performance.

The Venu 4 also supports more coaching, which has allowed me to experience a better mix of workouts to change up my normal routine. This feels much more tailored and varied, and fans of the Venu series should find this useful. Weightlifters such as myself will also enjoy the watch's ability to count reps and sets more accurately than even the Venu 3, which translates to more accurate exercise and muscle categorization in post-workout stats.

You'll also receive more varied suggested workouts if you don't have a coaching plan enabled, which is a nice evolution of the Morning Report on the Vivoactive 6.

After each workout, the Venu 4 provides a summary of the activity, which includes metrics like training load, which gauges the intensity of your workout. You'll also see a number that indicates your recovery time, which directly affects your training readiness. This is basically your downtime between strenuous activities, including sleep. It's Garmin's way of telling you to chill.

Heart rate

As heart rate sensors, smartwatches are fairly reliable, but ultimately, they're imperfect. How well the watch detects your heart rate can depend on a number of things, including the fit, placement, cleanliness, and even the type of band. And while Garmin's Elevate V5 heart rate monitor on the Venu 4 has proven itself over the years, it's not infallible.

In most cases, the Venu 4 appeared to be in line with expectations during my workouts. I've been working out with smartwatches long enough to know roughly what the readings should be. However, there are times when I'll notice that the watch will take a moment to actually get there, as you can see in the charts below:

As you can see in the first chart, the Venu 4 stayed well below the Pixel Watch 3 during my run. I noticed this in real-time, and couldn't determine why the readings were so off, as both watches were fit snugly on my wrists. Fortunately, the watch appeared to correct itself once my pace quickened, but it definitely threw me off during my run.

Subsequent runs did not appear to have any major discrepancies, and both watches were mostly in line with each other. However, things got a little weird when testing the Venu 4 against the Venu 3 during my HIIT workouts.

HIIT workouts are generally more varied than runs, so my heart rate was all over the place. However, the Venu 4 experienced a few short yet significant dips during some of my workouts, which the Venu 3 did not. What makes it more interesting is that the two smartwatches use the same Elevate sensor, so I'm not sure where these dips came from, but fortunately, the Venu 4 was able to correct itself much of the time.

For the most part, the Venu 4 heart rate sensor will be on the mark, with a few expected minor blips here and there.

Step counter

I took the Garmin Venu 4 on two abridged versions of my usual walking test, walking for a total of 2,000 steps on each occasion. I compared the step counts with the Google Pixel Watch 4, Venu 3, and the Oura Ring 4 while using a manual step counter on my phone to track my steps. The results were pleasantly surprising, particularly for the Venu models.

As you can see, on both occasions, the Venu 4 or Venu 3 hit exactly 2,000 steps, which is quite impressive. The Venu 4 was a big hit on the second test, but not by a considerable amount. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 3 came close during its test, as it was off by just two. The Oura Ring 4, meanwhile, was off by a similar amount on each occasion, counting 65 and 56 steps fewer than expected.

While I haven't had an opportunity to put the Venu 4 through its paces to really test the new dual-frequency GPS, the step test shows that even during a short walk, the Venu 4 (blue) appears generally more stable than the Venu 3 (orange), as seen in the map above.

Vertict

Despite some hiccups, the Venu 4 feels like a well-rounded fitness companion, thanks to familiar features and hardware as well as newer features and insights. While it would've been nice to see an upgraded Elevate sensor, the Venu 4 proves that it still has some life in it yet. And with new training features, users should be able to get more out of their workouts to optimize their performance.

When you think of the best Android smartwatches, your mind probably goes to Samsung, Google, or even OnePlus wearables with big touch screens, apps, and maybe a few days of battery life. However, one often overlooked category is hybrid smartwatches, which blend a traditional mechanical watch with smart features.

These "smart" watches may seem boring and not very smart at all, but there's actually a lot more to them than meets the eye. Inside their often small displays is a host of features for owners to utilize while keeping things minimal. It's part of what makes these watches so versatile, and among the reasons why you should consider a hybrid smartwatch as your next wearable buy.

Form over function

One complaint many have about smartwatches is that they look like smartwatches. Unlike the Apple Watch, which is the farthest from a traditional watch by design, Android smartwatches often try to emulate the traditional watch style, with varying degrees of success.

The Pixel Watch is unapologetically a smartwatch, thanks to its bulbous design and domed display, particularly on the latest model. Then there's the Galaxy Watch, which recently updated its design, but still retains a very "smartwatch" design. The closest we've gotten to Wear OS watches that resemble traditional watches are the OnePlus Watch 3 and the Fossil watches of yore, both of which emulate the look and feel of a watch while retaining a rotating crown.

With hybrid smartwatches, for the most part, you're getting a classic watch, complete with a crown (usually) and physical watch hands. If it weren't for the display found in some shape or form on a hybrid watch, you likely wouldn't know there was anything "smart" about it.

For some, this is a benefit. When I go out and want to look particularly nice, I normally leave my Pixel Watch 3 or Galaxy Watch at home, and instead reach for the Withings ScanWatch 2. This is one of the best-looking "smart" watches I've used, and my opinion was validated during a smartwatch beauty pageant held by Android Central's Michael Hicks. Out of 13 smartwatches, the ScanWatch 2 won the most votes, while the OnePlus Watch 2R came in second place.

Meanwhile, the more mainstream Galaxy Watch Ultra came in second to last place, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was in 8th place. The results suggest that, to the everyday person, the classic watch style is the best design option.

Keep it simple

Aside from a classic design that almost anyone can get into, one of the best aspects of a hybrid smartwatch is its simplicity. Compared to the large, vibrant touch screens on a regular smartwatch, a hybrid smartwatch normally has a smaller display with minimal navigation. There are no apps to download, no watch faces to customize; you just have a set of features and settings that you can turn on or off.

Even a hybrid watch like the Garmin Vivomove Trend has a full touch screen, but it only provides very basic menus while giving you more room to read messages and notifications.

Some may prefer this minimalism, as it offers much less distraction compared to smartwatches, which always seem to invite you to look at them. After all, if the point of a smartwatch is that you're glancing at your phone less, then that becomes moot if you're constantly looking at your watch.

A hybrid smartwatch will still get things done in the background. They can measure health metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen, and even ECG on some models. Think of it as a smart ring with a watch face that still gathers important data and pings you for notifications you might want to pay attention to. The minimal displays are best used for glanceable information, forcing you to decide whether something is worth grabbing your phone for or if it can wait.

You can still track workouts on something like the ScanWatch 2 or Garmin Instinc Crossover, but the menus are often simplified and options are fairly limited, so you're not spending all your time navigating.

Basically, a hybrid smartwatch isn't begging for your attention; it's for anyone looking for a more passive health tracking experience. Otherwise, it'll function as a pretty normal watch.

Battery life for days (or weeks)

Because there's no big, battery-sucking touch screen to deal with, some hybrid smartwatches will usually have better battery life than the average smartwatch. Take the ScanWatch 2; on average, it can last just over a month before you need to find your charger. Meanwhile, the latest Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch models will only last a few days at most.

The Vivomove Trend lasts only five days, likely due to its large touch screen, but that's more than you'll get from an Apple Watch or most Wear OS watches. The exception is the OnePlus Watch 3, which also manages up to five days of battery life, although it is quite large.

That said, the less you have to charge your watch, the better it can function effectively as a watch, especially when it comes to performing its primary function: telling time. It's kind of dead weight if it's constantly dead.

Just one problem

Unfortunately, when it comes to hybrid smartwatches, the selection is pretty small. Fossil had a pretty solid selection, but when it bowed out of the smartwatch market, it took all its brands with it, including Skagen. That left a huge gap in the hybrid smartwatch market (not to mention the Wear OS market), which is mostly filled by Withings and its various ScanWatch models.

There's also the Garmin Vivomove Trend or the Instinct Crossover series, but it really depends on the style you're going for. Otherwise, your best bet for a hybrid smartwatch is the Withings ScanWatch 2, which just got a 2025 refresh earlier this year.

The Garmin Venu 4 costs $250 less than the Garmin Venu X1 but still has several hardware upgrades and software exclusives. Features like Health Status and Sleep Alignment should come to the Venu X1 within a couple of months, but the Venu 4 will still have the edge for GPS accuracy and battery life.

The Venu X1 has its own advantages, however! You get similar software perks to the pricier Fenix 8, most notably offline maps for hiking and golf, where the Venu 4 falls short. The Venu 4 is also slightly less comfortable to wear, and while you can offset the weight gap with a nylon strap or the smaller 41mm model, you're still getting a much smaller display in exchange for a lower price and a more traditional watch look.

We've already broken down the Garmin Venu 4 vs. Venu 3 generational gap; now, let's compare the Garmin Venu 4 vs. Venu X1 to help you decide which exclusive features you'll truly care about.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Venu X1: What's the same?

Both the Garmin Venu 4 and Venu X1 have two buttons — unlike the Venu 3's three buttons — making them more touch-dependent than the five-button Garmin Fenixes, Forerunners, or Instincts.

They both utilize the fifth-generation Elevate sensor suite, which has remained unchanged since 2023. The Garmin Venu X1 performed very well in our accuracy tests, and the Venu 4 should follow suit. They also share most of the same sensors for navigation (compass), elevation tracking (altimeter), wrist movement (gyroscope), and health (skin temp), plus the same connectivity standards for Bluetooth/ANT+ accessories.

Garmin gave the Venu X1 and Venu 4 a mic and speaker for voice commands and Bluetooth calling, built-in white and red LEDs with four intensity levels and strobe effects, and the same modern Garmin OS UI found on its 2025 watches.

While their two displays couldn't look more different, they do both hit 2,000 nits of brightness, twice as bright as most Garmin AMOLED displays before 2025. Their pixels per inch are also comparable: 324 on the Venu 4 and 330 on the Venu X1.

The Venu 4 software suite is quite similar to the Forerunner 570's, while the Venu X1 is comparable to the Forerunner 970. We'll focus more on the software differences below, but the Venu 4 and X1 share most of the same sport profiles and hundreds of core Garmin features across running, hiking, cycling, swimming, indoor workouts, training load, and sleep/recovery tracking — far too many to list here.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Venu X1: Design & display

The Garmin Venu 4 comes in two sizes to accommodate different wrist sizes, but one of the main Venu X1 upsides is that it's so light (40g) and skinny (7.9mm) that it'll work on any wrist without compromise; it's supremely comfortable, especially for hours-long activities.

The 1.2-inch Venu 4 41mm is only a little heavier than the X1, but with obvious display shrinkage. The 45mm model is closer, and you can buy a nylon strap to try to close the weight gap a bit.

One thing that makes the Venu 4 heavier is the stainless steel built into both the bezel and the case, giving it a classy look. The Venu 4 45mm is slightly thicker than its predecessor at 12.5mm, and looks bulky compared to the Venu X1, but it's skinnier than most other Garmin watches. It's all relative, in other words.

The Venu X1 has a titanium caseback and buttons that add some shine, but the body itself is mostly made of polymer, keeping it light. Its skinniness and textured lines around its edge make the Venu X1 look less "cheap" and sportier than thicker, polymer-case Garmin watches, however.

It's the 2-inch display that's the real Venu X1 standout. It may not have the Venu 4's accessibility features, but the display leaves room to expand widgets and increase text size, so it's cumulatively much more readable. Maps, in particular, look fantastic on the X1, making it fun to use while on the golf course and hiking.

The other X1 advantage is that it uses sapphire glass for the best scratch protection, while the Venu 4 sticks to Gorilla Glass 3. It's a telltale example of Garmin preventing its "mid-range" watches from getting the best features, even though almost any other $500+ watch has sapphire glass or its equivalent.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Venu X1: Hardware, sensors, & battery life

Garmin doesn't advertise processors, but the Venu 4 and X1 have comparable speed in our testing. Likewise, the mic, speakers, flashlight, connectivity standards, and sensors are mostly the same, along with the same five global navigation satellite systems (GNSS).

The first difference is that the Venu 4 offers the same dual-band (L1 + L5 signal) GPS as other top Garmin watches, as well as SatIQ mode, which defaults to GPS-only to save battery but switches to better system(s) if the signal is disrupted. The Venu X1 may be the only Garmin watch this expensive to stick to All-Systems GNSS, likely due to limited space and battery life; it still does quite well for accuracy, but the Venu 4 is a better fit if you often work out in urban canyons or mountain forest regions.

Next, the Venu 4 offers ECGs to detect atrial fibrillation issues, while the Venu X1 does not. Again, this has to do with the X1's unique design, as Garmin's ECG solution relies on a metal ring and a button design that it was too thin (and square) to accommodate. Keep in mind that no Garmin watches have passive irregular heart rhythm detection; you have to actively check.

The third key difference, of course, is battery life. Depending on whether you choose the Venu 4 41mm or 45mm, it'll last 2 or 4 days longer than the Venu X1, or 1 or 2 days more with AOD. In terms of workouts, the 45mm Venu 4 is rated to last four hours longer in All-Systems mode, while the 41mm Venu is rated for one hour less.

The gap isn't as wide as it might have been, as the Venu 3 lasts longer than the Venu 4; the 2,000-nit display boost cuts into its capacity. Still, even if the Venu 4 isn't as long-lived as the Instinct 3 or Fenix 8, it's closer to the Garmin standard you're used to.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Venu X1: Software and features

Garmin categorizes the Venu X1 alongside the Fenix 8 and other flagship models, meaning it'll receive regular updates — like the August 2025 update with running tolerance — with the best new features for the next year or two. We mention this because it's fair to assume the Venu 4's exclusive software will eventually come to the Venu X1.

For now, the Venu 4 offers unique health tools such as Health Status, which establishes a baseline of your resting HR, HRV, SpO2, skin temperature, and other stats in order to detect any outliers and warn you of worrying health signs or the effects of overtraining.

The Venu 4 also added Lifestyle Logging to log specific moments in your day so that Garmin can associate changes in your physiology with your lifestyle. And for sleep tracking, the Venu 4 will judge your "sleep consistency" after seven days of tracking and judge how your sleep habits match with your circadian rhythm.

With the Venu X1, the biggest difference is getting access to maps, where the Venu 4 is stuck with downloadable courses and breadcrumb navigation.

The Venu 4 has most core Garmin features, but the Venu X1 goes the extra mile. For runners, it'll judge the biomechanical load of overtraining on your muscles, plus show your real-time stamina during long runs; for cyclists, you get advanced cycling dynamics and MTB Grit & Flow; for swimmers, you get Pool Swim workouts and Pacing alerts; and for golfers, course maps and better interactivity to place custom hole targets and gauge wind conditions.

The final key difference between these watches comes down to workouts and coaching. Both watches offer daily suggested workouts for running and cycling, but the Venu 4's workouts are only "heart rate-based," while the X1 workouts suggest both "pace and heart rate" for more specificity.

The Venu 4 also offers walking recommendations, similar to the Vivoactive 6, as well as general "fitness" recommendations across a wider range of outdoor and indoor activities, including HIIT and yoga.

If you prefer a more structured workout plan, both watches offer Garmin Run Coach, Cycling Coach, and Strength Coach. But (so far) only the Venu 4 offers a Fitness coach with multisport plans targeting more indoor athletes, while the Venu X1 has a Triathlon Coach for specialized outdoor athletes.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Venu X1: Which should you buy?

The Garmin Venu 4 represents a fusion between Venu and Forerunner software packed into an understated and stylish design. It's a great option for traditional Garmin fans who dislike the button-heavy look of a Forerunner but still want a circular watch. For those types, the square, Apple-esque X1 with "only" a week of battery might not fit their wants.

The Garmin Venu X1 isn't really competing with the Venu 4 as much as the Fenix 8, or rival flagships like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, which are much bulkier. It's an unconventional design for Garmin, but you might be surprised how much you'll love how light it is and how it makes the dense Garmin UI easier to read, both during and after workouts.

Neither watch is especially affordable, but the Venu 4 is still the better all-around pick if you don't need maps, while the Venu X1 is the ritzy pick for someone willing to pay extra for niche perks and fantastic comfort.

Among the best remaining Garmin Prime Day deals, you'll find last-gen models and third-party resellers. The Venu Sq 2 for $149 ($100 off) at Amazon is the best cheap option left with 11-day battery life and accurate all-systems GNSS. Or you can still the Venu X1, my new favorite Garmin watch, for $100 off at Walmart.

But at this point, most Garmin fans should hold out for Black Friday for better deals. Instead, now's a good time to stock up on Garmin watch bands, like this 22mm QuickFit silicone band for $11.19 (20% off), or a nylon QuickFit for $12.99 (28% off).

Long-time Garmin fans know how painfully expensive Garmin's official bands are; the official QuickFit bands for your high-end Fenixes and Forerunners cost anywhere from $129 (silicone) to $299 (nylon), no joke. A third-party option may not be as fancy, but you can stock up on several and swap between them so you can keep them clean and sanitary after weeks of sweaty training.

Otherwise, you may already have this Abanen Hook and Loop nylon strap (currently $12.79 or 20% off) because it's very popular and well-known among Garmin Fenix owners as a viable, comfortable alternative. If not, maybe start here! I'm personally a big fan.

Garmin's high prices for its official straps can be annoying, but I do appreciate how it only has two band types — QuickFit and Quick Release — across dozens of different watch models and years of releases. Just make sure to check which type and mm size your specific Garmin watch uses before buying one.

Garmin's official Quick Release bands are much more affordable. In fact, there's a live Prime Day deal for Garmin's official 22mm bands, down to $30.60 (23% off). But since this band type is compatible across a variety of watch and smartwatch brands, you're also likely to get a wider variety of cheap, high-quality options! My advice would be to check out these Barton Elite silicone bands first.

You can dive down a rabbit hole of Quick Release watch band options if Garmin's or Barton's bands don't appeal to you. Most of them will have their own Prime Day deals, and if you ever switch away from Garmin, you may be able to use these straps with other brands that use Quick Release.

Before the clock runs out on Prime Big Deal Days, I'd suggest looking through your options and building your watch band collection!

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